Transport options for Aboriginal people in the Mallee region who need help getting to medical and other appointments.
I need help getting to appointments — what are my options?
Transport is one of the biggest challenges in the Mallee region. Towns are spread out, specialist services are often only available in Swan Hill or Mildura, and not everyone can drive. Here are your options for getting to appointments.
Step 1: V/Line — 1800 800 007
V/Line runs coach and train services across Victoria. Concessions are available for:
- Health Care Card holders
- Pensioner Card holders
- Seniors Card holders
- Children
Call 1800 800 007 or visit vline.com.au to check timetables and book concession fares.
V/Line services in the Mallee:
- Melbourne to Mildura (via Swan Hill)
- Melbourne to Swan Hill (via Bendigo)
- Melbourne to Echuca
- Swan Hill to Robinvale
- Mildura to Ouyen and Sea Lake (limited services)
Book ahead for concession fares — they are cheaper than full price but only available on pre-booked services.
Step 2: Mallee Bushmobile — medical transport
Mallee Bushmobile runs community transport for medical appointments across the Mallee region, including to Mildura and Swan Hill. This is specifically for people who can’t access mainstream transport.
To book:
- Ring Swan Hill Neighbourhood House on (03) 5032 9238 and ask about Mallee Bushmobile bookings
- Book as far in advance as possible — services fill up
- They’ll ask some questions about your transport needs and whether you have a concession card
Mallee Bushmobile is available for:
- Medical appointments
- Specialist appointments
- Allied health appointments
Step 3: Swan Hill community transport — (03) 5032 3233
Swan Hill Council runs some community transport services. Ring (03) 5032 3233 to ask about what’s available in your area.
Community transport is generally for people who:
- Don’t have a car
- Can’t drive
- Live in areas without public transport
Step 4: MDAS transport assistance
If you’re a client of MDAS (Mildura Aboriginal Corporation), they can help with transport for their services. Ring (03) 5023 5023 and ask whether transport assistance is available for your situation. MDAS has vehicles and can sometimes help clients get to appointments.
Step 5: NDIS transport funding
If you have an NDIS plan, transport to appointments may be included in your plan funding. Check your plan — there’s usually a line item for transport. If you have transport in your plan, you can use funding to cover:
- Taxis
- Uber
- Community transport
- Other transport to disability-related appointments
If transport isn’t in your plan but you need it to access supports, ask at your next plan review.
Step 6: Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS) — for specialist medical care
If you need to travel a long distance for specialist medical care (more than 100km one way), you may be eligible for the Victorian Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS). This helps with accommodation and travel costs for specialist appointments.
Ask at your local hospital or community health service about PTIS — they can help you apply.
Step 7: Plan ahead
Transport services in the Mallee are limited and can book out — especially for medical transport. As soon as you know you have an appointment, start organising your transport. Don’t wait until the day before.
Key numbers
- 1800 800 007 — V/Line bookings
- (03) 5032 9238 — Swan Hill Neighbourhood House (Mallee Bushmobile bookings)
- (03) 5032 3233 — Swan Hill community transport
- (03) 5023 5023 — MDAS (ask about transport for clients)