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Reunion Travel Fund - Open Place

FAMILY REUNION TRAVEL FUND


Purpose of the Family Reunion Travel Fund

The purpose of the Family Reunion Travel Fund is to assist Forgotten Australians to meet relatives from their birth family whom they have never met, or whom they have not seen since childhood.


Eligibility

The Family Reunion Travel Fund can be accessed only by Forgotten Australians who were in care in Victoria. In exceptional circumstances, such as where the Forgotten Australian is unable to travel at all (eg: serious illness) or where the Forgotten Australian is unable to travel alone, consideration may be given to providing funding for a family member to travel to visit the Forgotten Australian, or to enable a carer to accompany the applicant. A doctor’s certificate will be required for these applications.

All applicants need to provide confirmation of their time “in care” in Victoria

When you are seeking to apply for the Family Reunion and Travel Fund you can expect the records and reunions worker to have a conversation with you about:
• Who are you going to meet?
• What are the costs involved (including travel, accommodation, meals)?
• What are your expectations for the reunion?
• Do you require support at or after the reunion?
• Have you thought about how your family member/s will react to the reunion?


Extent of financial assistance

Financial assistance includes the cost of travel by train, bus or plane. Where necessary, an additional allowance may be paid for up to a maximum of two nights’ accommodation expenses and meals.

Applications are not means tested.


Mode of travel

Service users accessing the Reunion Travel Fund will use economy services.


Restrictions

The fund is only available for travel within Australia.


Process for payment

1. Applications are to be made on the Travel Reunion Fund Application Form, to be received at least 4 weeks before the travel is to be taken.

2. Once funding is approved, payment may be made direct to the applicant after receipts for agreed expenses are received; or

If the applicant is unable to pay the costs initially, the agreed costs may be paid direct to the travel provider after receiving documentation regarding the costs, and an amount for expenses to the applicant may be provided.