[MELBOURNE, Australia – October 20, 2026] – Juurnee announced that founder Rachel Crampton has been nominated for the Entrepreneurship Award at the 2026 French-Australian Excellence Awards. The nomination recognises her efforts to make travel less stressful and more accessible for people who need a companion on their journey.
Juurnee began with a challenge familiar to many parents. A few years ago, Crampton faced a 23-hour flight from London to Sydney alone with three children under five. Unsure how she would manage the journey, she posted online offering A$1,000 to anyone willing to accompany her.
The post went viral. An Australian woman living in London, who could not afford the trip home, accepted the offer. That flight sparked the idea for Juurnee.
What started as a personal solution has since grown into a platform with more than 12,000 registered companions across Australia and the UK. The company is now looking to expand into France, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Building the business was far from straightforward. Crampton spent years developing Juurnee during evenings and weekends while raising three young children and working full-time. She did so without a dedicated team or external funding, driven by a belief that nobody should have to face a journey alone when the right support is available.
“Juurnee started because I was a mum who needed help. I never imagined that one difficult flight would lead to a community of more than 12,000 companions,” said Crampton. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but what matters most is knowing that we’re helping people feel less alone when they travel.”
The platform aims to connect travellers with companions who can offer practical support along the way. Its community serves a range of people, including parents travelling with young children, older travellers, nervous flyers and people embarking on long journeys alone.
For Crampton, the award nomination is recognition not just of her entrepreneurial journey, but also of the people who have helped Juurnee grow.
“Building a business around a full-time job and three young children has meant a lot of late nights and sacrifices. This nomination belongs to everyone who has trusted Juurnee with their journey and helped us get to where we are today,” she said.
The French-Australian Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and organisations making a meaningful contribution to Australian society and the relationship between France and Australia. The sixth edition will take place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at St Kilda Town Hall in Melbourne.
As Juurnee looks towards international growth, Crampton remains focused on the idea that started it all: making travel easier for people who would benefit from having someone by their side.
Image: Juurnee Logo
About Juurnee
Juurnee is a travel companion platform that connects people who need support during a journey with companions willing to travel alongside them. Founded by Rachel Crampton after her experience flying from London to Sydney with three young children, the company has grown to more than 12,000 registered companions across Australia and the UK. Juurnee is now exploring expansion into France, the US and the UAE.
Media Contact
Aurélie Cornu
Growth Co-Founder
Juurnee
[email protected]
https://juurnee.com/