Aboriginal Cultural Education Hub

How is Transport celebrating NAIDOC week?

There are a number of exciting events being held across Transport to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

See the table below for what's available!

Need Event Ideas?

• Display the National NAIDOC Poster or other Indigenous posters around your workplace.
• Start your own hall of fame featuring Indigenous role models.
• Listen to Indigenous musicians or watch a movie about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
• Make your own Indigenous trivia quiz.
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
• Research the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
• Study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts.
• Work with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist to produce an artwork representing the theme.
• Run an art competition for your community.
• Research Indigenous history online or visit you library to find books about Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples.
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.
• Learn the meanings of local or national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names and words.
• Invite local Indigenous Elders to speak or give a Welcome to Country at your workplace.
• Invite an Indigenous sportsperson or artist to visit you.
• Invite Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander dancers to perform.
• Host a community BBQ or luncheon.
• Hold a flag raising ceremony.
• Organise a smoking ceremony.

The Aboriginal Maritime Safety Plan 2020-22 was developed in close partnership with the community, for the community, the plan sets out key actions to prevent boating fatalities and serious injuries involving Aboriginal people.

We recognise the Aboriginal cultural values related to NSW waterways, the survival of freshwater and saltwater culture and the importance of waterways to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Maritime Safety 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.

The full extent of Aboriginal representation in boating trauma is unknown, and this plan commits us to identifying the gaps and painting a clearer picture. We’ll use this improved data to partner with local communities and key stakeholders to improve understanding of the issues, turn ideas into action and deliver sustained improvements in waterway safety for our Aboriginal customers.

Although NAIDOC week has been postponed to 8 – 15 November 2020, there are still some wonderful events happening throughout the traditional NAIDOC week.

World Vision ‘Windows To The World’

World Vision are hosting a free, First Nation staff Q&A on Zoom.

You'll also get a sneak preview of our World Vision’s new advocacy campaign to help provide a better education for all Australian students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.

Event Details
Time: 7-8pm AEST, Thursday 09 July 2020
Place: A Zoom link will be emailed to registered participants the day before the event. Numbers are limited, so be quick to secure your place.
Get your free ticket now

NAIDOC Virtual MARCH | Run

Complete your NAIDOC Virtual MARCH or run whenever it suits you on either Fri 10, Sat 11 or Sun 12 July anywhere you like – it’s completely virtual!

Sign up for the NAIDOC MARCH | Run and celebrate NAIDOC a little differently this July.

Find out more.

Following our National Reconciliation Week celebrations, you are still encouraged to:

• Watch the Transport National Reconciliation Week 2020 catch-up webisode here
• Download the National Reconciliation Week event pack for more tools, resources and ideas to mark and celebrate the week
• Read our Transport Reconciliation Action Plan and start thinking about what you can do individually and as a team to deliver our commitments
• Plan a team conversation after watching the webisode to have a conversation about practical actions that we can each take to support the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan

For more information and resources, visit our dedicated National Reconciliation Week page.

This Safe Work Month, one of the more visible ways we are demonstrating our commitment to safety together is through the launch of our new high visibility vests that feature the Aboriginal serpent design. These designs are unique to Transport and acknowledge our Aboriginal heritage, our commitment to reconciliation and the significant work that our Aboriginal engagement teams do in our communities, every day.

Why did we choose the serpent? The serpent design represents the connections of diverse journeys, whether physical, emotional or the journey of a career. While we are all our own mob, we are each on our own journey.

The vest project is the result of the collaborative team efforts including Aboriginal Engagement, Brand and Creative Services, Safety, Environment and Regulation (SER) and safety teams from across Transport.

Click here to view the full article and launch video.

More than 3,800 Aboriginal and disadvantaged Australians now have a driver’s license, thanks to a Transport funded Driver Licensing Access Program.

Rod Simpson is an Aboriginal Project Officer based in Transport’s Wagga Wagga office, and supervises Transport’s driver licensing access program (DLAP). He explains why getting a driver’s license is sometimes much harder than you’d think, and how this innovative program is changing lives for the better.

What are some of the barriers to people being able to get a driver’s license?

There are the obvious ones, like not having access to a registered and roadworthy vehicle or having a licensed driver to take you for lessons. But there are a lot of others that are less obvious. There’s financial capacity, because you have to pay to apply for a learner’s permit and driver’s test. There’s literacy and numeracy challenges, because you have to take the driver’s knowledge test online. You need to have proof of identity to apply for a permit. And if you’ve got any outstanding fines, you’ve got to clear them first (or have arrangements in place to pay them off). That’s a lot of potential barriers for Aboriginal and disadvantaged people.

Why is fines such a problem?

You can be fined for not wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, driving while disqualified, driving an unregistered vehicle, failing to vote, all sorts of things, especially when you live in regional and remote areas where there’s not regular public transport or it doesn’t exist. If you don’t have the capacity to pay your fines, they can accumulate. It’s not uncommon for a person to accumulate fines of $2,000, $3,000, even $10,000 or more. And once it gets to that point, the person’s likely to say, ‘Oh I’ve got no chance of paying that off.” And they give up and drive unlicensed.

How does DLAP work?

It’s a funded program that supports participants through the licensing process to gain their learner’s permit, help them address any outstanding fines, get proof of ID, give them access to professional driving lessons and a registered and roadworthy vehicle to attempt the driving test. We have 14 service providers who provide the support either via one-on-one or in group classes with others working towards their license, so often participants are learning with other relatives and family members in a relaxed classroom environment. The classes break down the road user handbook into simple terms to assist people with literacy and numeracy problems. By attending and completing the classes they are exempt from the driver’s knowledge test fee and they are able to work off their fines through the Work Development Order program. The DLAP program has helped more than 3,800 people get their P license since it started in 2015, and provided more than 21,000 hours of driver instruction.

How can the DLAP program change lives?

We had one young Aboriginal client, who was just about to go into the justice system, who signed up for DLAP. The service provider talked to his probation and parole officer, who agreed to hold off on his sentencing while he did the course. He got his Ls, then his Ps. Based on his performance, he avoided sentencing. He’s now got a car, a new baby and he is actively looking for employment and getting on with his life. A driver’s license is much more than the legal permission to drive – it’s really a key to freedom to look for and travel to work, to support your family, to live a normal life. It’s life changing.

Who is eligible for the program?

DLAP is offered to Aboriginal and disadvantaged community members who have an eligible pension or health card.

https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/6657996/drivers-now-on-the-road-after-course-end/

Fred Dangar, Director of Strategic Business Programs, is the lead negotiator for the whole of Government Local Decision Making initiative for Transport.

Learn about this collaborative initiative as Fred shares how it places Aboriginal people and their communities at the centre of what we do.

What is Local Decision Making?

Local Decision Making is an initiative under OCHRE (Opportunity; Choice; Healing; Responsibility; and Empowerment) the Government’s community-focused plan for Aboriginal Affairs.

Local Decision Making ensures Aboriginal communities have a genuine voice in determining what and how Government services are delivered to their communities.

It enables the staged delegation of decision-making and accountability to the regional level and seeks to place Aboriginal people at the centre of Government service design, planning and delivery.

Local Decision Making helps to deliver the right services

It’s about doing business in a new way with a new approach. The development and delivery of services are tailored to suit the local Aboriginal needs.

It’s not about predetermining the outcomes, but rather to willingly participate in true co-design which delivers the right solution for the regional Aboriginal community’s needs and aspirations.

In doing so, Government services take off the bureaucratic hat and walk together with the Aboriginal communities to ensure the services meet their community priorities.

Why is Local Decision Making important to Transport?

It’s critically important for Transport to be involved in the Local Decision Making process and negotiation, as it places the customer at the centre.

In this case, it places Aboriginal people and their communities at the centre of what we do. By walking beside, understanding, appreciating and acknowledging the aspirations and needs of local Aboriginal communities and the unique environment of each regional area - only then can we truly co-design the services and service delivery which is both culturally safe, appropriate and regionally driven.

What’s your roles?

My role is as the lead negotiator for Transport as part of the cross-Government negotiation team.

Our role as a team is to listen, learn and develop innovative solutions for the proposals put forward by the local Aboriginal representatives (Aboriginal Regional Alliances) on behalf of their communities.

What’s the Local Decision Making process?

Through Local Decision Making, Government agencies and the Aboriginal Regional Alliances enter into agreements (Accords), committing parties to jointly address agreed priorities.

If you’ve heard the term ‘co-design’ this is where it originated from. Government sitting down with Aboriginal community’s to meet the needs of Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Regional Alliance are progressively delegated greater responsibilities and budgetary control once capacity is demonstrated.

There are three stages of delegation: advisory, planning and implementation. And with each stage comes a greater level of local decision-making.

How is Transport involved in Local Decision Making?

Transport is currently engaged in two Local Decision Making negotiations. One with the Barang Aboriginal Regional Alliance which represents the Aboriginal people and communities on the Central Coast. The other is with the Riverina Murray Aboriginal Regional Alliance.

Once we have a signed Accord for these negotiations, I’ll work with the appropriate Division to ensure the agreement is successfully delivered. This is uncharted waters for us, and we are currently finalising a formal process on how this is managed.

As more Aboriginal Regional Alliance are formed across regional NSW and the Greater Sydney area, Transport will increase our involvement in the Local Decision Making negotiations.

Fred Dangar (in the back row – right-hand side) with the Barang Regional Alliance team

More information

Further communications will be shared as we progress through the negotiations.

For more information about the Local Decision Making, visit the Aboriginal Affairs website, or for information about Transport’s involvement, please email Fred Dangar: Fred.Dangar@transport.nsw.gov.au

During National Reconciliation Week 2020, we’ll be profiling some of the great projects across Transport that are working in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

Garry Ferguson, Senior Aboriginal Engagement Specialist Northern and his team are working in partnership with local Aboriginal artists, knowledge holders and Elders to share and tell their stories through artwork.

Learn about the ‘Songlines Driveway’ Art Trail as Garry shares how this project is strengthening and developing relationships up and down the highway.

What’s the ‘Songlines Driveway’ Art Trail?

The Woolgoolga to Ballina is Australia’s largest regional infrastructure project and follows a number of traditional Songlines - the trade routes and ceremonial paths of Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Bundjalung Nations. Essentially the first roads on the far north coast of NSW.

The ‘Songlines Driveway’ Art Trail project will show local Aboriginal artwork in 13 locations between Woolgoolga and Ballina.

Telling their stories

The Songlines and stories of creation have been around long before the Pacific Highway.

By sharing the stories from the local artists, we’re developing partnerships and strengthening relationship across three Nations. It’s a great opportunity to work with the local Aboriginal community so they can share and tell their stories that relate to their Country.

The displayed artwork is one way for the stories and culture within the three Nations to continue on, and for the younger people coming through to learn and hold onto these stories.

A learning experience for all

The ‘Songlines Driveway’ shares the cultural stories of the different areas with the broader community - making their journey on the highway a more enjoyable one. This exciting project also provides opportunity to learn off each other and share some of the world’s oldest continuing cultures stories.

The stories being shared through the artwork are very important to the local Aboriginal community and provides a way to share some of the local Aboriginal history of the area with the travelling public so they gain a better understanding of the area they are travelling through.

If we care for Country, it will care for us

The success of this initiative has been supported by guiding principles of Transports Beyond the Pavement and the NSW Government Architects framework which acknowledges Australian Aboriginal peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to place and their rich contribution to our society.

To that end, all our work should seek to uphold the idea that if we care for Country, it will care for us.

It’s an exciting and positive project I can’t wait to see the finished product.

More information Transport

Transport has announced the local Aboriginal artists for the ‘Songlines Driveway’.

For more information about the ‘Songlines Driveway’ please email Natasha Ray, Project Manager/Engineer, Woolgoolga to Ballina: Natasha.RAY@transport.nsw.gov.au

Scott Hoskin is an STA bus driver and was recently appointed Aboriginal Liaison Officer. Christine Lithgow is Transport’s Acting Group General Counsel. The Aboriginal Career and Mentoring Program brought them together, but mutual trust and respect, shared interests and regular coffee catch ups, are sustaining their connection.

Scott: I was looking for ways to improve my qualifications and try and further my career. I’d done a Cert IV in Training and Assessment, and I was at a bit of a stalemate of what to do next, so I thought I’d apply for the mentor program, to get some tips on career development. I was paired up with Christine.

At the start of the program they told us, ‘Be open with your mentor.’ And so I was. My mum and uncle were part of the Stolen Generation, and my uncle went and fought in World War Two, but wasn’t recognised for his service when he came back. I told Christine about all of that and I think she was pretty interested in it. She’s a good listener. I also told her about a few Dreamtime stories that she didn’t know about, and I promised to show her a sacred site that is special to me.

At the time of the program, I was applying for the position of Aboriginal Liaison Officer with STA. She was actually going through a similar process, applying for a new job herself. She helped me with the interviewing skills, what to say and what not to say, and what to wear.

I’ve learned a lot from Christine. She’s given me lots of subtle advice for my new role, like how meetings work, minutes, general business, how to get something onto the agenda. All that stuff was a bit foreign to me, but Christine’s got a law background and she has staff under her as well, so she’s used to lots of meetings.

We talk monthly – meet at Lee Street, get a coffee and have a yarn and talk about stuff. She’s good at building confidence – she told me I sold myself a bit short on my skills, so she’s going to help me build a LinkedIn page.

With the new franchisees coming in to STA, I want to be ready. I know the bus business, I’ve got lots of experience and knowledge, and I think I’ve got something to offer. Christine’s support is giving me the confidence to put my hand up for new opportunities, when the time comes.

Christine: I’ve always had an interest in Aboriginal culture and I wanted to be engaged in the process of reconciliation in some practical way. As well, through family history research I’ve learned a lot about Aboriginal connections with my own past, so I have always felt that there was an intersection with the Aboriginal community that I wanted to explore further.

It was really lovely to meet Scott. I felt like we were well matched and we hit it off from the start. At the first session he was very open and shared a lot of things about his life and family that I felt really privileged to hear. He talked about the Stolen Generation and its impacts, all in relation to his own family’s experience.

Scott and I have so many different experiences of life – some influenced by culture, others just by our different circumstances. He’s very knowledgeable about so many things – everything from the inner workings of Parliament House (where he used to work) to stories of the Dreamtime, and different sacred sites around Sydney. It’s been fascinating to hear and learn from him. It’s definitely inspired me to do some more research about the Aboriginal cultural origins of my own local area.

Scott was in the process of applying for his role as Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and I really don’t think I helped him at all. He’s made it entirely on his own merits, wisdom, willingness to contribute and sense of fun and drive. I’m chuffed he thinks I did help! We definitely talked about how not to feel awkward with people in authority (something we both share!). But he’s a natural. Now that he’s in the role, Scott attends monthly meetings with other Transport people, including our Secretary, Rodd Staples.

Since the formal program ended, we’ve continued to talk and meet regularly, and there are a few issues that we’re working through. I think the experience has helped Scott to demonstrate his ambition to the management of STA, and been a step for him on that pathway. But I honestly feel like I get as much out our connection as Scott does, and possibly more.

I also think the mentoring program itself is fantastic. The cultural awareness sessions were very useful, and I learned a lot from other mentors as well. It was just great to be part of something so special.

The next Aboriginal Career Development and Mentoring program is planned for later in 2020. To register your interest or to find out more, contact Mark Champley at mark.champley@transport.nsw.gov.au

Scott Hoskin and Christine Lithgow

Policies like the Aboriginal Participation in Construction Policy (APIC) and the Aboriginal Procurement Policy set the framework for government agencies to create opportunities for Aboriginal-owned businesses and encourage Aboriginal employment and training through the supply chain of NSW government contracts.

But at Sydney Metro, complying with the policy requirements is just the starting point. With bespoke Aboriginal Participation plans for each of its projects, and a dedicated team that’s involved right from the start, the approach is all about collaborating with industry at every point along the project to help get the best outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Sonja Malcolm, Senior Manager Workforce Development and Capability at Sydney Metro, explains more.

How would you describe Sydney Metro’s approach?

We’re very passionate about the legacy our projects leave and about going above and beyond the policy drivers, to positively impact Aboriginal people and communities. We have a bespoke Aboriginal Participation plan for City South West (which we’re currently constructing) and we’ve already got plans for Greater West and West (not yet in construction). These plans form part of the business case, and our team is involved right from the start of the project. That’s very important.

How do you support your contracting partners to achieve the best Aboriginal participation outcomes?

We start off with a very contractual arrangement with clear expectations of what needs to be delivered, but then we partner with our contracting partners who are building Sydney Metro projects to help them achieve what we ask of them. That means meeting with them every month, and providing a whole suite of support that they can tap into – like industry funded training, pre-employment programs, mental health training, PPE, a whole range of things. So it’s very collaborative, very industry-informed, and very well supported. I think that’s a real point of difference for our projects.

Construction is currently underway on the City and Southwest project. What are some of the results you’ve achieved so far?

We currently have 457 Aboriginal people employed on that project, which is 2.5 per cent of the workforce. We have 33 Aboriginal apprentices and trainees, and 60 Aboriginal people who’ve joined the project through pre-employment programs.

One of the numbers we’re most proud of is that 11 per cent of the small to medium enterprises in our supply chain are Aboriginal enterprises – supplying goods and services including construction, PPE, cleaners, training, cultural awareness, mentoring and support and employment services. When we started I don’t think we even had 3 per cent.

How can services like pre-employment programs help improve participation?

These programs support people who have significant barriers to employment by opening the door to opportunities they might not otherwise be able to access. To date the program has delivered 84% job outcomes with 48% of participants being Aboriginal people and more than 52% going on to complete apprenticeships and traineeships in civil construction and precast manufacturing. The program also worked with NSW Corrections to support a number of participants coming through the prisoner release program.

How else do you encourage Aboriginal participation?

We’ve held a number of industry briefings, where our principal contractors and their supply chains present the procurement opportunities coming up in the next six to 12 months. We invite Aboriginal businesses along to build connections with the contractors and promote their services and capabilities. We had about 150 Aboriginal businesses attend the last three forums that we ran. On the most recent forum, with Central Station contractors, we had six new Aboriginal businesses access the supply chain, as a result of the briefing.

2019 Aboriginal Forum

Find out more

https://www.sydneymetro.info/workforce-development-and-industry-participation