Transdev Australasia was proud to recognize its shared history and culture for NAIDOC Week this year with a host celebrations and community partnerships. NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Transdev Australasia’s celebrations kicked off las Sunday on Sydney Light Rail and at Sydney Ferries with guest speaker, proud Wiradjuri Australian actor Luke Carroll.
A Sydney tram wrapped in NAIDOC artwork was also moving through the city during the week and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags were flown on all Sydney ferries to celebrate its shared history and culture.
Transdev Australasia’s National Indigenous & Diversity Manager Sharon Stevenson said Transdev recognized the special connection First Nation’s people had to the land and waters on which it operates.
It’s an honor to celebrate NAIDOC Week and help connect people to their Indigenous communities. 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.
Sharon Stevenson, Transdev Australasia’s National Indigenous & Diversity Manager
The tram artwork, designed by Gudanji/Wakaja artist Ryhia Dank, is eye-catching. Our 60m-long trams are the perfect canvas to turn heads and remind people to get up, stand up and show up.
Arsene Durand-Raucher, Transdev Sydney Light Rail Managing Director
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.
Loretta Lynch Transdev Sydney Ferries Managing Director
NAIDOC Week was a great opportunity to showcase my culture and history. It is a week for us to come together, acknowledge our achievements and spiritual connection with the land, and honor our Elders, both past and present.
Uncle Tony, Chair of Transdev Sydney Ferries Reconciliation Action Plan Committee
All Transdev Sydney Ferries employees also wore special caps featuring Indigenous artwork designed by First Nations artist Vicki Golding.