Senior Victorians can now enjoy the discounts offered by their Seniors Card abroad thanks to a historic deal between Victoria and New Zealand.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said Victoria had signed a reciprocal agreement allowing seniors in both countries to access discounts on the Victorian Seniors Card and New Zealand SuperGold Card.
“This is an historic moment for Victorian and New Zealand seniors and will play a significant role in boosting tourism to and from both countries,” Dr Sykes said.
“Under the agreement, Victorian Seniors Card holders will be able to use their card in New Zealand to access discounts from a wide range of participating businesses.
“In return, senior New Zealanders with a SuperGold Card will also be able to access discounts from participating Victorian businesses.
“Joining the reciprocal program is voluntary for businesses and free of charge. Participating Victorian businesses will benefit by being promoted to New Zealand seniors through the New Zealand SuperGold program.
“Locally businesses participating in the Seniors Card discount system include businesses in Mansfield, Benalla, Bright, Mt Beauty, Myrtleford and Alexandra.”
Dr Sykes said the Victorian Seniors Card has been offering substantial discounts for 20 years.
“Over 650,000 Victorian households will receive their new Seniors Card directory in the mail this month,” Dr Sykes said.
“The directory features thousands of business discounts throughout the state and the majority of these are now also available to New Zealand Super Gold Card holders visiting Victoria.”
Dr Sykes said Victorian seniors travelling to New Zealand can also find information on discounts for seniors at www.supergold.govt.nz while New Zealand seniors travelling to Victoria can do the same by visiting www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
“Seniors Online is a new website we have developed to be a first port-of-call for Victorian seniors looking for government information and services online,” Dr Sykes said.
“You will find all the information you need in one simple, easy to use website with information on government programs to community contacts.
“The website will also present a range of further offers available at Seniors Card participating businesses. Card holders should check Seniors Online regularly to find new offers.”
The Victorian Seniors Card has over 3,000 participating businesses offering deals to more than 870,000 Seniors Card holders.
The reciprocal agreement with New Zealand does not extend to seniors public transport concessions in either country.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes encourages seniors throughout the Benalla Electorate to make the most of the activities scheduled for this year’s Seniors Festival and the special offer for free travel on designated days.
“The Seniors Festival in October is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the many free and low cost events that are available at both regional and city locations.
“I know many residents in my Electorate, particularly in Benalla, like to make the most of the events on offer during the Seniors Festival.
“The offer of free public transport is an important drawcard for many residents,” Dr Sykes said.
Free public transport for Victorian Seniors card holders is offered between 2 to 9 October. Free travel on V/line services is available for specific dates and can be booked on Tuesday 6 September from 10am on 136 196 or via the website at www.viclink.com.au.
The full festival program will be available from 22 August from councils, libraries, neighbourhood and community houses and all Coles outlets.
Further information is available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/seniors/seniors-festival.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said that the 2010 Victorian Seniors Festival in October was a great opportunity for seniors throughout the Benalla Electorate to enjoy a range of activities and performances in their local area and in Melbourne.
Dr Sykes said that a drawcard for many senior Victorians to attend festival events was the offer of free public transport on regional town bus services, metropolitan transport and V/Line travel during the 2010 Seniors Festival from 3 to 10 October.
As part of the festival there are eight days of free regional town bus services including Benalla. Seniors do not need a ticket for these free services and only need to show their Victorian Seniors Card.
Travel on long-distance V/line rail services and some coach services must be booked before travel. Free travel on V/Line rail and coach services is available on 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 October.
Dr Sykes said that in previous years he had been contacted by local seniors upset that they had missed out on reserving V/Line tickets because there had not been sufficient pre-publicity in relation to when reservations for free travel were open.
“My office has this year been successful in sourcing this information so that it can be provided to seniors in a timely manner.”
Dr Sykes said that reservations for the Seniors Festival free economy class travel open on Tuesday 7 September at 10am.
“I would recommend any one wanting to benefit from the free travel on V/Line services to start phoning early as it is my understanding that there are limited seats available.
“It is regrettable that this system of reserving a V/Line seat to enjoy some of the Melbourne events as part of Seniors Festival has caused upset amongst seniors in my electorate.
“I would encourage the State Government to look at this issue and consider a fairer system for future festivals.”
Tickets for free travel as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival can be booked at the nearest staffed V/Line station, V/Line ticket agent or by calling 136 196. Bookings can be made for one return journey for up to four Victorian Seniors Card holders and tickets must be collected no later than 48 hours after booking.
Large parties of 12 or more must call V/Line to ensure seats will be available. Call 9619 2338 after 10am on Tuesday 7 September to book.
Information is now available on the Seniors Festival and free public transport for seniors who have access to the internet at http://www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au/web19/osv/dvcosv.nsf.