Community transport representatives win university scholarship
Eight community transport employees, based across NSW, have been awarded scholarships from the NSW government and the University of Sydney to further their professional knowledge and careers.
Transport for NSW and the University’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) will jointly sponsor the scholarships, each valued at $3,350, for people working in the community transport industry.
Holly Bannerman and Cameron Booth from Linked Community Services in Port Macquarie are among the scholarship winners who will attend a four-day course in Sydney this week (11-14 July).
The Certificate of Transport Management will equip community transport professionals to run more efficient, safe, and successful services in their respective communities.
Ms Bannerman said the learning will be immensely valuable in her work as Operations Manager at Linked Community Services.
“I am responsible for training and developing staff to meet the requirements of the organisation, ensuring cross-skilling within the operations team along with implementing processes and policies to ensure service efficiencies,” Ms Bannerman said.
“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity through this scholarship to learn from other individuals and gain valuable insight into governance within the transport industry.”
Mr Booth, who is Linked Community Services’ Client Services Officer, said he is excited about the scholarship opportunity.
“I hope to complete this course with a greater understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices which I can use to improve the delivery of services that our organisation provides,” he said.
Petina Kirkman, who is a Community Care Manager at Allawah Community Care in Coolamon, is another scholarship recipient.
“By applying the knowledge gained in the course, I will be able to improve the accessibility and availability of transport options for vulnerable community members,” Ms Kirkman said.
Leigh Stevenson, who is a Transport Manager at Kirinari Community Services in Lavington, will also attend the course.
“By applying the knowledge gained in the course, I will be able to improve the accessibility and availability of transport options for vulnerable community members,” Ms Kirkman said.
Nicole O’Neill, who is the Director of Outer Metropolitan and Community Transport at Transport for NSW, said it is important to encourage the best leadership in the community transport sector, which assists those who may have limited access to affordable transport due to their age, mobility, health issues or location.
“We know that quality, reliable transport is essential to wellbeing because it allows people to continue to access essential services and maintain important social and cultural connections,” Mrs O'Neill said.
“This scholarship recognises the professionalism and dedication of the nearly 70 Transport for NSW contracted Community Transport Providers across NSW, who deliver services to support eligible older individuals to stay independent and maintain their quality of life by staying in their own home for longer.”
In the year to June 2022, Community Transport Providers were responsible for providing 1.13 million trips for over 60,000 customers.
Professor John Nelson, who is the Chair in Public Transport at ITLS and Director of the Certificate of Transport Management course, said scholarship recipients who attend the four-day course will be provided with valuable industry-relevant qualifications.
"The certificate is recognised as an important industry achievement for middle and senior management and is an excellent opportunity for career development.
“The course content is regularly refreshed with input from our colleagues at BusNSW and other industry specialists to reflect the dynamic nature of the industry and to maximise the benefits to participants.
“Recent additions include content around Zero Emission Buses and the impact of working from home on the transport system.”
For more information on the course click here.