Sydney Ferries, proudly operated by Transdev, has become the first public transport operator in Australia to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag on all its vessels.
The historic milestone, achieved in collaboration with the local public transit authority, Transport for New South Wales, was marked with a flag raising ceremony on the Evonne Goolagong RiverCat at Wharf 1, Barangaroo last week.
Transdev Sydney Ferries Managing Director Loretta Lynch said all 42 Sydney ferries would fly the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian Red Ensign on the vessels.
We’re doing this to encourage organizations to be more proactive in supporting their First Nations employees and the community.
Loretta Lynch, Transdev Sydney Ferries Managing Director
6% of the Sydney Ferries workforce identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders peoples, well above the national average of 2.2%.
Flying the flag is a simple but powerful action and our Sydney Ferries team couldn’t be prouder. We are proud of taking practical and meaningful step towards reconciliation. Transdev is dedicated to progressing our commitments under our Reconciliation Action Plan as well as advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion aspirations.
Sharon Stevenson, Transdev Australasia’s National Indigenous and Diversity Manager
Last week’s launch which was hosted by Ray Windle, Head of Diversity & Inclusion Transdev Sydney Ferries was attended by representatives from Transdev Australasia, Transport for New South Wales and well-known actor Luke Carroll, a proud First Nations man from the Wiradjuri nation.
Flying the Aboriginal flag on all Sydney vessels acknowledges and celebrates the world’s oldest living culture. It promotes a sense of community and demonstrates our pride and respect of First Peoples of Australia.
Ray Windle, Head of Diversity & Inclusion Transdev Sydney Ferries