Find out more about Memory Lane

You can call us on 1300 017 337 or complete our online journey request form. We will contact you to discuss the request, and will begin planning your journey.

Our most common requests are to go home (for people in a facility), to a favourite beach, and to attend a family event such as a wedding, graduation or birthday celebration. We have taken people to sporting events, to see the snow, and to local landmarks, such as Stevenson’s Falls and Puffing Billy. We have transported people to wineries and zoos, as well as parks and picnic areas. There is no end to the possibilities; it all comes down to what the individual would like to do.

There is no cost to those involved. The service is possible thanks to the generosity of RFDS Victoria donors, and the health care volunteers who give their time to make these memories happen.

Adults 18 and older who have been diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

Specialised medical transport is necessary due to the condition of the individual or the limits of their mobility.

Their doctor or nurse practitioner approves of the journey. The clinician can be their regular GP or a specialist involved in their care.

The individual agrees to our ‘goals of care agreement’, which includes the explicit understanding that Memory Lane is a ‘comfort care only’ service. This means that if the client’s condition deteriorates on the trip, we do our best to keep them comfortable and return them to where the journey began. We do not do CPR or use a defibrillator, but use oxygen, suction and positioning to keep the individual as comfortable as possible.

NOTE: Individuals with complex care needs may need a qualified health care practitioner to accompany them. Please be aware that the use of oxygen is not considered complex, though the use of an Airvo system is. Don’t worry about this question as we will talk you through it when we organise the journey.

The earlier the better! We find that people best enjoy their journey when they are still well enough to enjoy the activity. For journeys that have specific timing (such as a wedding) we request at least a week. For trips that are flexible in timing, four - five days is usually enough, however, more is always appreciated!

No, while people think of our planes when they think about RFDS, Memory Lane is a road-based service.

We don’t have strict guidelines on distance or time, but our journeys are normally completed in a day. We factor in travel time as well as time at the destination. We have two vehicles, with one in greater Melbourne and one in Gippsland, so travel time from our location is also part of the consideration. Trips that are longer than six or seven hours typically require an additional volunteer crew member to minimise driver fatigue.

A doctor or nurse practitioner that is part of the client’s care can give approval for the trip. The clinician may be a GP or a specialist but should have current knowledge about the client’s medical situation and care needs. They are asked to complete a brief questionnaire to assure we can safely meet the needs of the client. It is a good idea to discuss the possible Memory Lane journey with the health care provider in advance, if possible., but we are happy to contact them regarding the required form.

Only enough to assure that we understand the individual’s condition, mobility and care needs. We have strong protections involved to maintain confidentiality of any medical information that you provide us.

While the office is open during usual business hours (Mon – Fri from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm) to assist in planning trips, we offer journeys any day of the week if we have available volunteers, including on public holidays.

Fortunately, that almost never happens. It is rare for us not to be able to find a crew, though it is worth mentioning that this is more likely with last minute requests and those that involve very long hours. On occasion, if we are having difficulty staffing a trip, we will ask you to consider alternate dates.

We carry a foldable wheelchair. Some people, where possible, like to transfer to a wheelchair upon arrival at the destination, while others will be more comfortable to remain on the stretcher. Unfortunately, our vehicles do not accommodate motorised wheelchairs, so please talk with us if you have one. We are often able to work around that, but extra planning is involved.

The easiest way to manage continence on a journey is by using continence aids, most often pads. This means less transitioning on and off the stretcher. We are happy to problem solve this with you in advance of your trip.

Absolutely, up to three people can accompany you in our vehicle. In fact, we require that at least one person accompany you. Those coming along in the vehicle can be adults, or children who no longer require a car seat or booster seat. Younger children are welcome on journeys but must travel in another vehicle. Pets (usually dogs or cats) can accompany you on a case-by-case basis, please discuss this with us.

Our volunteers are all trained frontline responders or healthcare professionals so you are in good hands. In the event of an emergency, they will follow the accompanying healthcare professional’s guidance or the client’s care plan and as needed contact emergency services to request support. Please review our Goals of Care agreement for more information.

We accept that things can change quickly for people. Give us a call and we can let the volunteers know of the cancellation and, where possible, change any booking.

RFDS loves a challenge but we can’t guarantee the Victorian weather. We can work with you to determine what might be the best day and our vehicles do have awnings off the side and back, so that clients can be out of the rain. Remember to bring warm clothes for those winter days.

Our Memory Lane vehicles are fitted out with high flow oxygen and suction apparatus, power stretchers, and basic medical consumables required for patient transports.

Of course! Each client has their own unique journey they may wish to make. Bookings will be confirmed with regards to vehicle and volunteer availability alongside client’s current condition to travel.

Yes, we cater to clients residing in inpatient palliative care spaces or those part of community palliative care programs. We can collect from most properties.

Our Memory Lane vehicles are long wheel base, high roof all-wheel drive vehicles which means that they are comfortable in the back for clients and carers, can navigate gravel roads and tracks but any access to properties with low height restrictions would need to be discussed. Entry into and out of the residence will be assessed by our trained volunteers. However, the more information you can provide in the booking request, the smoother the journey will be. 

Definitely. Please use the webform to sign up for our update and make a request or email us at memorylane@rfdsvic.com.au and we will organise some to be sent out.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate more than one trip per client.

Yes, of course. Memory Lane runs on donations, but please know that there is no expectation that you will donate. Should you decide to do so, you can either click the ‘donate’ button on our website homepage or ask the crew for a donation envelope.

We want everyone eligible for a Memory Lane journey to have their special day. You can help by spreading the word to family, friends, health care staff and community groups.

Another way is to let us use photos from the trip to help generate awareness of this service. We will never use photos without your permission.

There is often a fair bit of media interest in our service. If you feel comfortable allowing us to share your story in a newspaper article, television segment or fundraising appeal, we will be grateful.