Publications/Applications
Welcome to the WA Companion Card
How it works?
The Companion Card is not a new responsibility; nor is it a benefit or a discount scheme. It simply ensures that people who are unable to attend venues and events without a companion to provide attendant care support, are not charged two admission fees. Responsible use of your Companion Card will ensure that organisations continue to participate in the program.
You must only use your Companion Card if you are unable to participate at a particular venue or event without attendant care support; not only for reassurance or social support. If you have previously attended an activity independently, this arrangement should continue.
Present your Companion Card when you are booking or purchasing your ticket. Organisations that accept the Companion Card will require you to pay only for your own ticket. A second ticket will be issued for your companion at no charge.
If you are not sure if a venue or activity accepts the Companion Card, check with them in advance. If they have not heard of the program, show them the back of your card. It lists a telephone number and web site that can provide further information.
If you book your ticket over the telephone, you must tell the operator that you require a Companion Ticket. You may need to provide your name, your Companion Card number and the expiry date.
Only the person whose photograph and name appear on the card can use the Companion Card.
You may be required to show your Companion Card when purchasing or collecting tickets, or at any time during your attendance at a venue or activity. If you cannot present your card, you may be charged for the Companion Ticket. The Companion Ticket is not valid unless the cardholder is present.
Misuse of your Companion Card will be reported and can lead to card cancellation. The Companion Card Cardholder Terms and Conditions provide full details about how to use your Card. These can be found in the Cardholder brochure and on the Cardholder Application Form.
Where to use it?
Who can accept the Companion Card?
Any organisation that charges an admission or participation fee can accept the Companion Card and admit companions at no charge. Some organisations have already formally registered to accept the Companion Card.
*Current List of Affiliates that accept the Companion Card*
Participating organisations will usually display the distinctive Companion Card logo (above) at the entrance of business premises or on their promotional and advertising material
- Some venues and events may not know about the Companion Card (or may not display the logo) but may still accept your card if you show it to them or tell them about it.
- If you are not sure if a venue or activity accepts the Companion Card, check with them in advance. If they have not heard of the program, show them the back of your card. It lists a telephone number and web site that can provide further information.
- By raising awareness in this way, many more organisations and industries will become aware of the legislation and will participate in the program.
Companion Card will continue to expand the range of organisations and businesses that will accept the card.
Replace/Update cards
You can use the Replacement/Change of Details Form to:
- Replace lost or damaged cards
- Change your address or contact details
- Change the name on your card
- Update your photographs
Lost or damaged cards
You can request a replacement card if you lose your Companion Card or it is damaged. You will need to complete a Replacement/Change of Details Form. If you do not need to change any of your information, your existing details and photograph will be used to create a replacement card, which will be posted to you.
Changing your address or contact details
You can update your address and contact details such as telephone or TTY or your email address. You will need to complete a Replacement/Change of Details Form. You will not be sent a replacement card.
Changing the name on your card
You may need to change the name on your Companion Card if you have recently been married or divorced, or if you have changed your name. You can only change the name on your card if you can provide evidence that your name has been legally changed.
You will need to complete a Replacement/Change of Details Form, and provide a copy of supporting documentation (such as a marriage certificate). A replacement card will be posted to you.
Update you photograph
If your appearance has changed significantly and you are no longer recognisable from the photograph on your card, you can update it. You will need to complete a Replacement/Change of Details Form, and provide two identical, high quality, passport-sized photographs.
Appropriate use
How to use your card
You must only use your Companion Card if you are unable to participate at a particular venue or event without attendant care support; not only for reassurance or social support. If you have previously attended an activity independently, this arrangement should continue.
The future success and expansion of the program is, in part, dependent upon the good will of both cardholders and affiliates. Attempts to use the Companion Card when a companion is not required is likely to impact on the willingness of industries to continue to participate in the program.
Both the Organisation and Business Handbook and the Cardholder brochure outline full Terms and Conditions of Use of the Companion Card. Attempts to misuse the Companion Card can result in card cancellation and the individual may be excluded from re-applying.
- The Companion Card has a robust application process that ensures the card reaches its intended target group.
- The card design incorporates the same technology that is used to produce Australia's 'plastic banknote' offering advanced forgery protection.
- Affiliated organisations and businesses will be able to use a range of security features to validate the card when it is used to book or purchase tickets.
Your rights
If you have a complaint about the recognition of your Companion Card, or issues regarding access or unfair treatment at venues/activities, you should seek to resolve the issue with the venue/activity management in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response from the venue/activity, you may like to obtain further information about your rights.
Renewals
Companion Cards are valid for three years from the date they are issued. This renewal period is based on:
- The physical life expectancy (wear and tear) of the card,
- The requirement for photographs to be updated to remain reflective of the cardholder's appearance, and
- The potential for change in the support requirements for some cardholders.
If you wish to renew your card, you will be required to complete a new Cardholder Application Form - the same form that is used for your original application. You can telephone the Companion Card Information Line on 1800 617 337 to request a Cardholder Application Form to be posted to you.
You can apply to renew your card up to 6 months before your existing card is due to expire.
You do not need to renew your card in order to Change Your Details or to replace a Lost or Damaged Cards.
The Companion Card® is supported through the State Government of Western Australia through the Disability Services Commission. The Companion Card® is a registered trademark owned by the State of Victoria. © Copyright State of Victoria.