4000 Cardholders in NSW since March 2009
The Companion Card allows people with a significant and permanent disability, who require attendant care for the rest of their lives, to participate in community activities and events without discrimination.
What is the Companion Card Program?
The Companion Card has been developed to reduce existing discriminatory ticketing practices of many entertainment, leisure and recreation venues/activities and services.
People with a disability, who require attendant care type support, are often required to pay two admission and/or booking fees; one for themselves and one for their companion. This has the effect of increasing the admission and/or booking price for the person with a disability.
How does it work?
The card has a photograph of the cardholder and can be presented when booking or purchasing a ticket at events and venues, provided the cardholder requires attendant care support in order to participate at that particular activity. The participating venue or service will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge. Download additional information on using your Card and Children and Companion Card in Word or PDF.
Visit the Companion Card Affiliates web page to view all participating organisations.
Who is eligible?
The Companion Card is issued to residents of NSW with a significant and permanent disability who are unable to participate in most community based activities without significant assistance with mobility, communication, self care, planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs.
The card is only provided to people if their level of support is life-long and they meet all of the eligibility criteria. The card is not provided to people who require social support, assurance or encouragement.
The Companion Card is not means tested.
It will be issued to people who are assessed as meeting all of the following eligibility criteria -
 severe or profound and permanent disability.
unable to participate in most community-based activities without significant assistance with:
- mobility
- communication
- self care
- planning and
- where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs.
their level of support is lifelong.
 
What if I don't qualify for a card?
The Companion Card is not for every person who has a disability. It will only be issued to people who are able to demonstrate that they will require attendant care for the rest of their life. There may be circumstances whereby a person may use the support of a companion but will not qualify to receive a Companion Card. Download more information in Word or PDF.
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Companion Card NSW News
The latest Companion Card news will be published right here when available to keep Card holders, Affiliates and interested others up to date.
21 January 2010 - NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service now accepts the Companion Card!
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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW) is now affiliated to the Companion Card. You can use your companion card for the following NPWS activities and services:
- Discovery Walks, Talks and Tours
- Museums, board walks and attractions
- Most ticketed special events
There are over 790 parks and reserves in NSW – offering you a diverse range of places, activities and experiences to enjoy.
Whether it is a day out picnicking or learning about the local flora and fauna with a Discovery Ranger, there are many new opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors of NSW, now that it is more affordable.
Please take the time to visit the NPWS website www.nationalparks.com.au to learn about the experiences on offer. You may discover new places to visit, or new activities to undertake. Contact your local park if you have questions about where you can use your Companion Card.
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Dorrigo National Park
dvbd
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The Scenic Boardwalk in the Sea Acres Nature Reserve
26 November 2009 - Get DIS Party Started dance party
- This free event was a huge success with the 250 plus guests dancing to music by Special Guest DJ, Stephen Ferris whilst roving performers amazed the crowd with hula hooping and juggling.
The Special Olympics Performance Group performed Mamma Mia to rousing applause before exciting the audience with various choreographed dance moves.
Stalls with giveaways such as Don’t DIS myABILITY show bags, International Day of People With Disability show bags and Companion Card Affiliate handouts guaranteed that no one left empty handed. Guests were lining up for the always popular henna tattoos and also enjoyed the hand spun fairy floss, fruit cocktails, Chupa Chups and jello shots. Ice buckets full of cool drinks ensured the crowd was well hydrated.
Party goers are eager for this dance party to be repeated. The smiles on the day said it all.
Special thanks to ADHC, NDS, Sydney Olympic Park, Aardvark Audio, Stephen Ferris, Aerialize, The Special Olympics Performance Group, J&P Coaches, Usha Kumbla, Sharon Hickey, Kath Davis and the Gema Group without whom this event would not have been possible.
Dance Party Guest
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Dance Party Guest, Hayley
The Special Olympics Performance Group
Aerialize Hula Hoopist
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____Henna Tattoo Artists and Dance Party Guest__
6 October 2009 - Get DIS Party Started dance party on 26 November 2009
- In NSW, International Day of People with a Disability is celebrated with a month-long campaign called Don't DIS My ABILITY. This campaign is about changing misconceptions surrounding disability and creating an environment that encourages participation in careers, leisure pursuits and social activities. As part of this campaign, Companion Card NSW will be hosting Get DIS Party Started. This alcohol free dance party is being held between 1pm and 3pm on Thursday 26 November 2009 at Hall of Legends, Sports Centre, Sydney Olympic Park.
Special Guest DJ, Stephen Ferris will be providing the music whilst roving performers and a henna tattoo artist entertain those that need a break from the dance floor.
The venue is fully accessible with parking directly outside the Hall of Legends entry in parking area P7. A wheelchair accessible shuttle bus will be operating between Olympic Park station and the venue should guests be travelling by train.
RSVP is essential as numbers are limited, so if attending, or if you have any queries, please telephone Free Call 1800 893 044 or email companioncard@nds.org.au before 30 October 2009.
I hope to see you there!
Yours sincerely,
Kylie Warner, Manager, Companion Card
18 August 2009 - CALD Community Care Program carers group meeting held 5 August 2009
- Kylie Warner, Manager Companion Card, Anna and Melissa, Assessors and Berice King, Health Professional Education Officer attended Bexley Community Centre on 5 August 2009.
Kylie, with the assistance of interpreters, presented information regarding the Companion Card NSW to a group of local carers of various cultural backgrounds. The group were very interested to learn about the card and its eligibility criteria. The Assessors, also with the assistance of interpreters, assisted the carers in identifying whether the person with disability that they cared for, met this criteria.
Special thanks to Bexley Community Centre for hosting the event.
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Carers_______________________________________ Carers
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Carers and Carer Support Officer_____________________Carers and Carer Support Officer
12 June 2009 - Arts sector information session held on 28 May 2009
- Jeffrey Tonge, Affiliate Manager presented an information session to representatives from the Arts sector regarding Companion Card NSW and the benefits of affiliation.
The Arts sector is leading the way in signing up to the Companion Card NSW program and demonstrating their commitment to improving access for people with disability in the community.
This session was held in the Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House which provided an amazing view for attendees.
Special thanks to Sancha Donald, CEO of Accessible Arts for her assistance in coordinating the information session and to Jenny Spinak, Accessibility Program Manager, Sydney Opera House for hosting the event.
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___________ ___ Shand Smith, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd and Jeffrey Tonge
03 June 2009 - Central West Road Trip
- The Companion Card team recently visited the Central West region of NSW to attend the Central West Disability Expo which was held at Orange on 21 May 2009.
As well as attending the Expo, two sessions were held at Bathurst and one at Katoomba to provide information about the program to both businesses and to local disability communities. These sessions proved invaluable in promoting the Companion Card to potential cardholders, as well as to gain business support for the program in Bathurst, Orange and Blue Mountains.
The Central West Disability Expo proved very successful with over 400 people coming through the venue. Throughout the day many people visited the Companion Card exhibit, with over 200 application forms provided to people with disability, their carers and to service providers. In addition to this, many ideas for potential Companion Card ‘Affiliates’ were given by visitors.
We’d like to extend our gratitude for the hospitality received during the trip. Special thanks must go to Bathurst City Council for providing their venue and assistance at the sessions. Thanks also to all involved in making the Disability Expo such a success and finally to the Katoomba / Leura Senior Citizen’s Centre for offering their centre, providing lunch and assistance – despite the torrential downpour on the day.
The trip was certainly productive, providing us with valuable information about the communities that we visited and enabling us to ‘spread the word’ about the Companion Card.
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Gail Day and Melissa Pitfield – CC Assessors________Gail, Melissa and locals at Expo
19 May 2009 - Newcastle Knights honour the Companion Card – the first NRL team to do so!!!
- The Newcastle Knights have led the way, being the first NRL team to affiliate to the Companion Card NSW Program. A number of teams have expressed their interest in the Program, but the Knights are the first to make their support official.
- Knights and other NRL fans, who have Companion Cards, will now be able to attend games more frequently as they will no longer need to pay for their carers entry as well as their own. Further details about the Newcastle Knights is available at their website www.newcastleknights.com.au
20 April 2009 - Vietnamese Community Information Day held 8 April 2009
- Kylie Warner, Manager Companion Card, Jeffrey Tonge, Affiliate Manager, Anna, Gail and Melissa, Assessors and Berice King, Health Professional Education Officer attended Anglicare Cabramatta on 8 April 2009.
Kylie, with the assistance of an interpreter, presented information regarding the Companion Card NSW to a group of local Vietnamese carers. The group were very eager to learn about the card and its eligibility criteria. The Assessors, also with the assistance of an interpreter, assisted the carers in identifying whether the person with disability that they cared for, met this criteria. The Companion Card team also assisted with the completion of application forms.
During discussions with the group, Jeffrey Tonge, Affiliate Manager identified local activities and events which he will be inviting to join as Affiliates. All enjoyed a morning tea that had been provided. Special thanks to Anglicare Cabramatta for hosting the event.
Download a copy of Companion Card NSW Brochure, Vietnamese translation in PDF
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Kylie and Interpreter with Carers_____________________Jeff and Carers
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Anna, Interpreter and Carer_________________________Gail, Interpreter and Carer
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Melissa, Interpreter and Carers______________________Kylie, Melissa, Interpreter and Carers
16 April 2009 - Outback NSW comes along for the ride
- R.J. and K.J Woolley of Broken Hill has joined the Companion Card. They provide a range of services including Cobb and Co Coach and Horse Rides. Further details are available at www.meanders.biz
03 April 2009 - Netball NSW
- Netball NSW has just joined the Companion Card. The first game starts on Monday 6 April 2009. For further details visit Netball NSW’s website www.netballnsw.com or the NSW Swifts website www.nswswifts.com.au.
31 March 2009 - Companion Card NSW Launch
- The Honourable Paul Lynch, Minister for Disability Services launched the Companion Card NSW at the Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour on Saturday 28 March 2009. Minister Lynch was joined by Brendan O’Reilly, Director-General of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Patrick Maher, National Disability Services NSW State Manager, Companion Card NSW cardholders and their carers.
- Companion Card NSW cardholders Carissa, Fran, Linda and Rachel were delighted when Minister Lynch presented their cards and were very excited to be at the aquarium. In the Ministers speech, it was highlighted that 350 Companion Cards NSW had been issued in the first month of operation with over 240 affiliate businesses so far.
- Special thanks to Chris Warhurst, Sydney Attractions Group General Operations Manager and his staff at the Sydney Aquarium for hosting this event.
- Download Minister Lynch's media release about the launch in Word or PDF.
Launch Photos
30 March 2009 - Royal Easter Show affiliates to Companion Card
- You can now use your Companion Card at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which commences on 9 April.
For details of what you can see and do at the Show, visit their website at www.eastershow.com.au.
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