Our mob is stronger together

Yarn Up: Connecting Transport’s Mob was an opportunity for our Aboriginal people to reconnect, develop their personal brand and share insights on taking care of spirit, mind and body.

Nearly 200 people from across NSW joined the event on 18 March either in person or online to hear from external speakers and to connect with colleagues.

As attendee Mark Champley described it, the event, which is normally held twice annually, but had been postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19, was ‘definitely worth the wait.’

See the highlights!


The future of branding is personal

The morning started with a conversation on personal branding from LinkedIn’s David Brophy and Transport’s Deputy Executive Director Reid Johnson. Not only is LinkedIn a great job board, attendees heard, it gives you the opportunity to showcase who you are and what your personal brand is.

LinkedIn tips from two experts

  1. Get your picture taken! Your profile is seven times more likely to be viewed with a profile picture. What does a good profile picture look like? Make sure your face takes up at least 60% of the frame, the photo was taken recently and avoid distracting backgrounds.
  2. What makes you unique? Find what makes you stand out and write your story on your profile.
  3. Keep your experience up to date. Set aside some time to update your recent career experiences, the different projects you may have worked on and your most recent relevant skills.
  4. Create meaningful connections. LinkedIn is the easiest way to grow your networks, but you should send requests to connect with purpose. You can do this by following up meetings, conversations or events with the person you would like to connect with.

Our Mob is stronger together

Joe Williams, proud Wiradjuri and Wolgalu man, shared his insights on how Aboriginal people are stronger together. With the world social distancing, he said, most Aboriginal people reduced their visits home to Country. Joe reminded the audience to go back, take the time to reconnect spiritually. “If we take care of our spirit, we will begin to heal our mind and body,” said Joe.

Attendee Rebecca Hyland said Joe’s session was an important reminder to visit home. “I cannot wait to plant my feet and my children’s feet on country,”

Our future is bright

The event wrapped up with Today Show entertainment reporter Brooke Boney. “She reminded us all to never give up on our pathway and continue rising despite the challenge,” said Rebecca.

Catch the action from the day


Below are the time codes for each session to help you find what you are looking for.

The Future of Branding is Personal: 14:55 - 41:19

Our mob is stronger together: 43:41 - 1:29:43

Our future is bright: 1:30:00 - 1:53:50

A second Yarn Up event is planned for September 2021.