Travellers Aid Australia (TAA) staffer Anja offered a shady seat to a couple who were visiting the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in late March.

Jill and Ron from Gold Coast, Queensland, were delighted to see Anja and teammate John in their TAA uniforms. Jill shared her memory of a long train journey with her mother and sisters in 1945. Then just seven years old, Jill recalls traveling from Brisbane and being greeted by friendly TAA staff, who directed them to a café for breakfast. There the youngster was astounded and impressed to find Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles after missing out on such treats during the war.

Jill told Anja she’d been reflecting on that very occasion on the trip to the show, one of the many events at which TAA provides access and inclusion services. So far this year, TAA has assisted at the Australian Open (tennis), the F1 Australian Grand Prix and eight other festivals and events.