‘Always Was, Always Will Be’: a deadly NAIDOC Week
Transport people right across the state were proud to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and to recognise their contributions to our business, country and society, during or around NAIDOC Week 2020. View the full article here.
NAIDOC-wrapped bus
Members of our STA team unveiled a NAIDOC-wrapped bus and held a smoking ceremony to welcome it to the fleet. The bus is now tracing traditional songlines for customers on routes through Macquarie Park, Ryde, Gladesville, Epping, CBD, Parramatta and Olympic Park. Watch the video below:
Smoking ceremony at Central Station
The NSW TrainLink event started with a smoking ceremony, an ancient custom to welcome people into a camp, ward off bad spirits, acknowledge ancestors and pay respect to the land and sea of Country. Chief Executive, Pete Allaway, told guests how important NAIDOC Week is to NSW TrainLink, you can watch the video of Pete’s address here . Guest speaker Uncle Shane Phillips, CEO of Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation, with cultural connections to Bundjalung, Wonnarua and Bidjigal communities, gave a very engaging and informative address, you can watch the video of Uncle Shane’s address here.
A deadly trivia event
Over 200 colleagues went head-to-head in teams to test their knowledge at the annual Transport NAIDOC Week Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander themed trivia event. Congratulations to the winning teams of Sydney Trains, People and Culture and Regional and Outer Metropolitan colleagues, whose win has earned them a seat at a winners’ breakfast, with special guest the Hon. Linda Burney MP, later in November.
The naming of Mindyarra: our new regional rail maintenance facility
We announced the naming of our new Regional Rail Maintenance Facility at Dubbo. It’s named Mindyarra (pronounced Min-dga—rra), a Wiradjuri word, which means ‘to fix or to repair.’ The name was chosen in collaboration with the Regional Rail Project’s Aboriginal Working Group and representatives from Aboriginal organisations, and represents the work that will occur at the facility and the work we’re doing to create a future of healing with the Traditional Owners of the land. Watch the video here.
Aboriginal language in conversation
Region North partnered with the Aboriginal Engagement team of CST to host an online discussion panel with respected guests Professor John Maynard, Dr Ray Kelly and Gary Williams. The thought -provoking conversation explored the relationship between Aboriginal and language and how all people can assist in language revitalisation.
Wirradoo bush food and medicine garden
The Wirradoo bush food and medicine garden opened in NAIDOC Week. It will grow as a living legacy of the strong partnership between the people of Boggabilla and Toomelah in western NSW and the Regional and Outer Metropolitan team that worked on the Newell Highway Upgrade. Working with community elders and stakeholders, a hectare was set aside for the garden at Boggabilla Central School with 6 zones that will make up the final garden, each named after a culturally significant site.
Point to Point Commission’s bush tucker challenge
Collecting and preparing food, understanding native ingredients and sharing recipes are all a part of the First People’s rich culture. Point to Point colleague, mother (and great cook!) Tressa Jackson took up the division’s challenge to bake her own traditional damper bread, with the help of her adorable daughters. See how it’s done, and get the recipe:
Our inaugural Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan
We launched a plan to prevent boating fatalities and serious injuries involving Aboriginal people. The plan supports the vision of our Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021, especially in how it seeks to build and strengthen relationships and celebrate Aboriginal maritime culture. Learn more about the Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan and watch the launch video:
Where’s your mob from? Interactive map
This new interactive map showcases stories of Country and cultural connection from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues. (please view the link in the Chrome or Edge browser). Meet some of your First Nation colleagues and read their stories.
New Aboriginal Engagement Portal
The distinctive design of this new resource was created by Saretta Fielding, an Aboriginal artist of the Wonnarua Nation. Visit the portal for cultural advice on projects, events and cultural matters, procurement information and more (please view the link in the Chrome or Edge browser).
Wiradjuri Wheels hit the road
We officially launched Wiradjuri Wheels, a community transport project to help the youth of Wellington and the nearby Aboriginal village of Nanima. The project employs local drivers to pick up kids from school and drop them off in and around the Wellington area – a much needed service in an area with limited public transport options. The Transport Access Regional Partnerships Grants program (TARP) provided funding to the project which will see 10 drivers to get their Medium Rigid License. In exchange, the drivers will donate at least 40 driving hours, using the bus owned by the local Aboriginal Lands Council.
Redfern artwork – Always
Sydney Trains colleagues came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week and to launch the ‘Always’ artwork, by Aboriginal artist, Reko Rennie. Look out for it if you’re travelling through Redfern. Watch the video below:
