Australian Rugby Union and ACT Brumbies - Latest National Companion Card Affiliates
The ACT Brumbies and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) have made it easier for fans with disability to attend games and support their teams, by signing up to the National Companion Card.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten MP, and ACT Minister for Disability, Joy Burch MLA, made the announcement on Monday 8 February.
The ARU and ACT Brumbies, who are the first Super 14 team to sign up, join more than 2,700 businesses that have thrown their support behind the Companion Card.
The Companion Card enables eligible people with disability to participate at venues and in activities without paying for a second ticket for their attendant carer.
Photo: Bill Shorten MP, Joy Burch MLA, ACT Companion Card holder Tau Tanielu and Brumbies Prop and ARU Sports Connect Ambassador, Guy Shepherdson.
National Companion Card launch a great hit
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.
Photo: Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten and Ms Danni Di Torro hit the court.