How to use your Card

Responsible use of your Companion Card will ensure that organisations continue to participate in the program.

The Companion Card is not intended as a benefit or discount scheme. The purpose of the Companion Card is simply to enable people with disability, who require an attendant carer, to attend venues and events without being charged two admission fees.

Note: Organisations that accept the Companion Card will only require you to pay for your own ticket.

The Companion Card is not intended for social support or reassurance.

Only use your Companion Card at venues where you are unable to participate without an attendant carer.

Your Companion Card should not be used at activities or venues where you have previously attended independently. Any previous arrangements should continue.

You need to present your Companion Card when:
• booking your ticket

• purchasing your ticket

• collecting your ticket

• at any time during your attendance at the venue or activity (If you cannot present the card, you may be charged for the companion ticket).

Note: The ticket is not valid unless the cardholder is present. Only the person whose photograph and name appear on the card can use the Companion Card.

Phone bookings

When booking your ticket over the phone, tell the operator that you are a Companion Card holder (You may need to provide your name, Companion Card number and expiry date).

Where to use your Card

New cardholders will receive a list of businesses participating in the program along with their card. To request an updated list of Affiliates, call the Companion Card Information Line on 1800 893 044 during business hours or email companioncard@nds.org.au

Alternatively, you can search for Affiliates online. Some venue or activity operators may not know about the Companion Card but may still accept your card when produced or if you tell them about the program. If a venue or activity operator needs more information, or would like to affiliate with the program, they can contact the Companion Card program via the web address and telephone number shown on the back of the card. By raising awareness in this way, it is hoped that more businesses will affiliate with the program.

Ask about the Companion Card program when booking a ticket or look for the Companion Card logo when buying a ticket at a venue or activity.

Affiliate Accessibility

Acceptance of the Companion Card does not indicate that a venue is accessible.

As per the Companion Card NSW - Cardholder Terms and Conditions (Word 30KB,  PDF 93KB) it is the responsibility of cardholders to check accessibility with the venue/activity before booking tickets.

Cardholder Terms and conditions

1. The Companion Card must only be used when the cardholder requires the assistance of a companion to participate at a particular venue/activity.

2. Only the person whose photograph and details appear on the Companion Card can use the card.

3. Companion Tickets cannot be used without the Companion Card cardholder being present.

4. Companion Card cardholders must inform the venue/activity operator of their requirement for a Companion Ticket at the time they book or purchase their own ticket.

5. Acceptance of the Companion Card does not indicate that a venue/activity is accessible. Cardholders are advised to check accessibility with the venue/activity operator before booking tickets.

6. The minimum expectation of Companion Card affiliates is that they will issue cardholders, who require assistance to participate, with one Companion Ticket or admission, at no charge. This ticket will be exempt from all booking fees.

7. Where a cardholder has a requirement for more than one companion, the cardholder must negotiate this with the venue/activity operator at the time of booking.

8. The Companion Card can be used to obtain admission for any programs, services and sessions run by affiliated venue/activity operators. This will be subject to the usual admission availability and conditions.

9. The Companion Card can be used in conjunction with any recognised concession cards.

10. Cardholders must provide their Companion Card details when making telephone bookings, and must present their valid card during ticket collection, and at any time when asked during the activity. If cardholders cannot present their card, they may be charged for the Companion Ticket.

11. Affiliated venues/activities must ensure cardholders are able to be located physically close to their companions. Companions must remain close to cardholders to assist them as required. Cardholders with specific seating requirements must inform the venue/activity operator at the time of booking.

12. Some venue/activity operators may charge for participation over and above general admission costs (e.g. a fee for rides in addition to an entry fee at a fun park). Affiliated venues/activities must issue a Companion Ticket for both admission and for additional components, such as rides etc., if the cardholder requires assistance in order to participate.

13. Companion Cards may be used to purchase a package deal for the cardholder that combines admission costs with ancillary components such as meals etc. When booking a package deal, cardholders must check with the venue/activity operator, what is included with the Companion Ticket. It is essential that the companion’s support to the cardholder is not disrupted if the ancillary components are not included in the Companion Ticket. For example, if meals are not included, the Companion must be able to bring or access food in a manner that enables them to provide continual support to the cardholder.

14. Booking and ticket distribution practices for Companion Tickets should not be more difficult than the standard ticketing practices of the affiliated venue/activity.

15. If an affiliated venue/activity operator suspects that a Companion Card is being misused, they can report this to the Companion Card program. Proven misuse of the Companion Card may result in the card being cancelled.

Using your Card interstate

The Companion Card can be used in other states and territories of Australia, where the program is in operation.

Information on interstate programs and participating businesses throughout Australia is available on the

National Companion Card website.

Important: Tickets are subject to the usual admission and conditions. Affiliated businesses and organisations may offer other activities which have not joined the program and therefore may not accept the Companion Card. For example an affiliated theatre may hire its venue to private companies who may not have joined the program. It is recommended that you contact the business or venue to confirm a companion ticket is available for the activity you are interested in.