To acknowledge Transgender Day of Remembrance and celebrate Transdev Awareness week, we’re proud to share the Journey of Sydney Ferries Inner Harbour Engineer, Max (he/him), pictured on the left.

 

What does being trans mean to you, in your own words?

For me, being trans means being authentically me. I know that’s a phrase that is often heard around being transgender or non-binary, but for me that means that I now feel seen and validated in a way I never felt before transitioning.  There’s a power in being seen, but even moreso in seeing yourself clearly.

 

What has your journey of self-discovery looked like?

It was a long road with a lot of introspection and discovery. I was socially transitioning with friends and family for a long time, for a myriad of reasons, before starting medical transition while working at Transdev Sydney Ferries. I was unsure and honestly a little apprehensive at how my transition at work would be received at first, as there were no other trans people at work that I knew. However my colleagues have been so supportive and genuinely respectful and I feel privileged to share this personal growth with them. 

Are there key moments or experiences that helped you better understand your identity?

Becoming involved in the LGBTQ community at university was when I first met someone who was trans and that started my journey of self-discovery as I previously didn’t realise transitioning was even an option. Being surrounded by supportive people allowed me to explore my own identity and to grow into it in a safe space.

What has been the most empowering part of your journey?

The sense of alignment and wholeness transitioning has given me. The ability to embrace feminine and masculine traits in my personality which I never truly felt comfortable with before and finally believing I deserved to live as myself, not according to someone else’s expectation.

What are some aspects of the everyday reality of the trans community?

Trans people face higher rates of discrimination, violence and mental health challenges often due to lack of acceptance and common myths and misconceptions which can be amplified in today’s social media-driven society. Having a supportive and inclusive workplace and colleagues can help to alleviate some of the alienation trans people experience in the broader community.

What actions or behaviours from colleagues or leaders have made you feel supported?

People really making an effort to use the correct pronouns and the open conversations I had with a lot of my colleagues who had genuine questions about my transition and identity, most of whom had never met anyone who is transgender before. I also found being open allowed other people who had family or friends who were questioning gender identity or going through transition to feel comfortable enough to approach me for advice. It felt great to be able to support others who had supported me. That is what inclusion feels like to me.

What workplace adjustments or initiatives have made a positive difference for you?

 Being part of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and now the Pride Network has really made me feel more connected to help educate and empower others.

What are some simple everyday actions colleagues can take to be better allies?

Be proactive and research, it can be taxing for trans people to be an educator all the time. There is a lot of great information and trans content creators that you can use to find answers. Normalise language (see below).

What language or behaviours help you feel respected and seen?

Language is one of the most powerful tools for allyship, using the correct name and pronouns and avoiding assumptions about someone’s gender can reduce harm, improve mental health and affirm identity for that person. If you’re not sure of someone’s gender identity, it’s better to politely ask than to assume, or you could introduce yourself stating your own pronoun preferences to start the conversation. It’s also OK if you make a mistake. We get it and it takes time to adjust.

How can workplaces create more affirming environments for trans employees?

To inspire, humanise and build understanding.

What message would you like to share with other trans people who may still be navigating their own journey?

That there is no one way of being trans. There’s a lot of diversity within the trans community and all identities are valid.

What message would you share with leaders or workplaces during Trans Awareness Week?

Encourage small steps and simple actions to strengthen inclusion like correct name and pronoun use. Practice using inclusive language and speaking up when something isn’t right. Small everyday choices make a big difference.

 

We’d like to thank Max for kindly sharing his story with us.

At Transdev we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where all Journey Makers are treated with dignity and can bring their whole selves to work.

If you’d like to learn more about Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 Nov) or Transgender Awareness Week (13 Nov – 19 Nov), click here.

Transdev’s bus operations in Queensland partnered with Night Ninjas to host a pancake breakfast at Redlands Bay Marina, engaging with local school students and commuters. Journey Makers later joined each other at a pizza drop-in session, with conversation-starting shirts from TradeMutt encouraging meaningful check-ins.

At Transdev John Holland Buses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Mental Health First Aiders visited depots with R U OK? Day cupcakes, reinforcing how small moments can create space for important conversations.

Meanwhile at Transdev Sydney Ferries, Senior Leaders joined the team at Balmain Shipyard, donning R U OK? shirts and handing out themed KitKats to remind everyone that even light-hearted gestures can open the door to deeper connections.

Huw Bridges, Chief Safety & Assurance Officer said: “Whether breakfast with the community or conversations at our depots and shipyards, it’s great to see Journey Makers mark this day by stopping and asking a simple yet powerful question.”

Mr Bridges thanked everyone who helped bring the day to life and encouraged all participants to carry forward the spirit of R U OK? Day: “because every day is an opportunity to check in and connect”.

Special guests Daisy Catterall and Ben Parangi of Twenty10, a prominent not-for-profit LGBTIQA+ advocacy group, were joined by Arsene Durand Raucher, Managing Director of Transdev Sydney & Parramatta Light Rail and Bronwyn Courts, a Senior Manager at Transport for NSW, for a special fireside chat.

Led by Huw Bridges, Transdev’s Executive Sponsor for Inclusion and Chief Safety & Assurance Officer, participants shared their lived experiences as parents and allies of LGBTQIA+ youth, offering insights into supporting young people to be their authentic selves.

“Events like this are an important part of the larger program of work we’re undertaking to ensure the safety, inclusion and empowerment of LGBTIQA+ persons,” said Mr Bridges.

I had to reject the concept of gender and identity as fixed. It's about meeting your children where they're at, having an ongoing conversation with them, and understanding them rather than attaching labels.

Bronwyn Courts

“We’re committed to lifting our Australian Workplace Equality Index rating to Silver and have recently achieved the Rainbow Tick in New Zealand for the first time.

“I’d also like to highlight the work of our Pride Working Group, a network of employees who are championing initiatives like the ones I mentioned, shaping policy and ensuring LGBTIQA+ voices are heard in decision-making.”

Mr Bridges thanked the speakers and employees that joined him for the day, noting that Transdev’s workforce of greater than 8,000 means that initiatives like Wear It Purple Day to drive inclusion can have an outsized impact on communities.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, inspired our teams across Australia to come together in celebration, reflection and recognition.

Our Journey Makers marked the week by honouring the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and celebrating the aspirations of future generations.

In Sydney on Gadigal Country, Transdev Sydney Ferries, brought teams together to participate in a smoking ceremony, performances by our very own Journey Makers and hear from local Elders about the significance of Country and culture.

Transdev John Holland Buses kicked off NAIDOC Week by unveiling a new artwork by talented local First Nation Artist, Billy Reynolds, reinforcing the importance of celebrating the talents of the next generation.

Meanwhile, our Yarra Journey Makers welcomed Stacie Piper, a proud Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman who held a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony as the team took a moment to reflect, learn and connect with Country.

Our other modes celebrated locally, creating space for conversation and connection – from team BBQs to cultural quizzes – that encouraged Journey Makers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures in meaningful, everyday ways.

From on-the-ground ceremonies to internal conversations, NAIDOC Week gave our Journey Makers a moment to pause, engage and look ahead – walking alongside community in support of a more inclusive future.

We thank all those who helped bring these events to life and encourage everyone to carry forward the spirit of this year’s theme celebrating the strength, vision and legacy of the next generation.

Transdev Queensland to remain operators of bus services in Redlands and Southeast until 2027.

Transdev will continue to operate bus services in the Redlands and Southeast Queensland to 2027 following a decision by Translink, part of the Department of Transport & Main Roads. 

The two-year extension reflects Transdev’s consistent delivery of safe, reliable and customer focused transport, as well as the strong relationship formed between Translink and the Redlands community over the course of the contract.  

Mark Thatcher, Managing Director of Transdev Queensland, welcomed the announcement.  

“This is a strong endorsement of the hard work and professionalism of our Journey Makers here at Transdev Queensland,” he said.  

“From our drivers and mechanics through to operations, network planning and administration, every team member plays a vital role in delivering reliable services to our customers and community. 

“We’re proud to continue supporting the Redlands and building upon the productive partnership we’re fortunate to have with our colleagues at Translink.” 

Head of Translink, Dr Deborah Hume said: 

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Transdev, who’ve demonstrated their commitment to safety, service quality and strong community engagement.”  

Transdev has operated in Queensland since 2004 and today operates 122 buses across 127 routes in Queensland, employing more than 300 locals.  

What began as a small show of solidarity has grown into something deeply meaningful for Transdev’s light rail team and the wider community. 

Now in its fifth year, the team’s involvement in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has helped raise more than $100,000.

But behind the impressive numbers is a story of heart, hope and one remarkable light rail driver whose legacy continues to inspire.

Mel was a cherished member of the Sydney Light Rail team, always ready to help, champion a cause, or brighten someone’s day. Tragically, she lost her life in a motorbike accident five years ago. 

That same year, the Sydney Light Rail team raised funds to send their Managing Director, Arsene Durand-Raucher, to attend the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the very first time. 

In doing so, Arsene wanted to honour Mel and the generosity and kindness of the many other light rail Journey Makers who quietly do what they can to support Australians experiencing homelessness every day.

Now in his fifth year sleeping out, Arsene said each year brings a new perspective:

“Our participation now feels like second nature, but each year the campaign reinforces our connection to the community we serve, and reminds us that compassion, connection and consistency matter.”

We’re proud that our efforts continue to honour Mel’s spirit and even prouder to be part of a team that never gives up on helping others, on or off the tracks.

This Christmas, our Transdev Mana Newlands team is proud to support the Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Tree Festival, lighting up Wellington Airport with a dazzling display of more than 60 decorated Christmas trees.

The annual festival brings together local businesses, community groups, and individuals to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand (CFNZ). It not only spreads holiday cheer but also provides crucial support to the 600+ New Zealanders living with cystic fibrosis (CF).

The funds raised through the festival will enable CFNZ to deliver much-needed emotional, physical, and practical support to these families.

Mana is honoured to join this meaningful cause that has continued to grow during the last 10 years.

We encourage everyone passing through Wellington Airport to see if they can spot our tree sporting shiny mana buses. Spot one that catches your eye? Then check out the voting page here.

Together, we can brighten the holiday season for those who need it most and consider supporting CFNZ in their vital work here.

How can we help you to move forward?
I would like to