Travel Companion

The Transport Alternatives Project aims to support and empower older drivers to consider transport alternatives. The program will educate older drivers on how to consciously plan for their transition to alternative transport options whilst retaining a level of independence. The program will also support participants to deal with the negative feelings associated with relinquishing driving and seeks to address the older driver’s challenges, barriers and fears, in particular, their desire to maintain a high level of independence and community involvement.

• Travel Companions provide 1:1 support to older drivers in exploring alternative transport options
• Provide support and guidance and help build capacity and independence for TAP participants
  • Meet the participants on a regular basis (as determined between TAP participants and Travel Companion) to discuss goals and explore transport alternatives
  • Assist the TAP participants to refine their individual goals and develop a plan towards achieving the goals
  • Provide 1:1 Travel training
    • Promote positive attitude to the issue of retiring from driving
    • Encouraging participants to learn new skills and re-informing the many benefits of using alternative forms of transport (Financial, environmental, social and psychological as well as accident prevention).
    • Installing useful travel applications on participant’s mobile phones (if required)
    • Accompany TAP participants on alternative transport journeys, including public transport, community transport, ride shares and active transport
• TAP volunteers will provide the service in the Moonee Valley Municipality
  • Localities: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Ascot Vale, Avondale Heights, Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Flemington, Keilor East, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Strathmore, Strathmore Heidhts and Travancore
• Provides support in the delivery of services
• Promote other TAA services as relevant

• Experience working with people with disabilities, older people and people from diverse backgrounds
• Culturally aware and sensitive to the needs and different perspectives of people from diverse cultures
• Basic IT knowledge (eg. putting apps on mobile phones)
• Basic knowledge of Melbourne Public Transport system, ride shares etc
• Ability to travel to Moonee Valley LGA
• Physically able to perform the duties as required

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Volunteers are subject to police checks-domestic and international (as required) and working with children check
• Volunteers are required to undertake the online trainings as directed by TAA
• Time Commitment – One session per week (approx 2 hours)
• Volunteers are also required to attend a face-to-face induction and training session

  Note: This is a volunteer (Non Paid) position