Celebrations kicked off yesterday on Sydney Light Rail and at Sydney Ferries with guest speaker proud Wiradjuri Australian actor Luke Carroll.
A Sydney tram wrapped in NAIDOC artwork is also moving through the city from now until 10 July and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags will fly on all Sydney ferries this week to celebrate our shared history and culture.
Transdev’s National Indigenous & Diversity Manager Sharon Stevenson said Transdev recognised the special connection First Nation’s people had to the land and waters on which it operates.
“It’s an honour to celebrate NAIDOC Week and help connect people to their Indigenous communities,” Ms Stevenson said.
“Transdev values diversity and inclusion which empowers our people from all backgrounds to embrace their culture and serve our customers.
“Under our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are working hard to be an employer of choice for First Nations’ people.”
Transdev Sydney Light Rail Managing Director Arsene Durand-Raucher said the tram artwork, designed by Gudanji/Wakaja artist Ryhia Dank, was eye-catching.
“Our 60m-long trams are the perfect canvas to turn heads and remind people to get up, stand up and show up,” Mr Durand-Raucher said.
Transdev Sydney Ferries Managing Director Loretta Lynch said it was a privilege to have 6% of our Sydney Ferries workforce identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, well above the national average of 2.2%.
“Celebrating NAIDOC Week allows us to acknowledge their invaluable contribution to our workplace and community,” Ms Lynch said.
Uncle Tony, Chair of Transdev Sydney Ferries Reconciliation Action Plan Committee said NAIDOC Week was a great opportunity to showcase his culture and history.
“It is a week for us to come together, acknowledge our achievements and spiritual connection with the land, and honour our Elders, both past and present,” he said.
All Transdev Sydney Ferries employees will also be wearing special caps featuring Indigenous artwork designed by First Nations artist Vicki Golding.
Vision/photos opportunities
Transdev Saunders St, Pyrmont: Thursday 14 July 2022
A Yarn with Vicki Golding – local First Nation Australian Artists and creator of “Along the journey we learn” Transdev’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, morning tea provided by Kallico Catering
South Sydney Rabbitohs Souths Cares partnership: Wednesday 13 July, Heffron Park, Maroubra, 11am-3pm
Transdev has a partnership with Souths to help support community, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We work with South Cares to provide employment pathways to fulfilling careers in transport, with South Cares providing one-on-one support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees during their tenure.
About NAIDOC Week 2022:
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The theme for 2022 is ‘Get Up. Stand Up. Show Up’.
