The Aboriginal Funeral Transport Program

The Aboriginal Funeral Transport “Sorry Business” initiative provides assistance with transport for Aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney, to attend funerals within NSW.

This initiative is not intended to be the primary source of funds for the transport provided but rather a source of funds to enable transport to be undertaken where, despite all efforts, there are insufficient resources to undertake the travel, and the travel is not local.

Can I apply?

Are you Aboriginal?
Do you live in NSW?
Is the travel more than 150 km?
I haven’t travelled yet

If you answer Yes to the four questions above please proceed to "What can I get help with?

What can I get help with?

NSW Trains: Transport for NSW will pay for the cost of return tickets for individuals and groups travelling to a funeral using an existing public transport services
a fuel subsidy can also be accessed through this initiative whereby Transport for NSW will fund no more than 50 per cent of the cost of the travel
generally, a fuel subsidy for bus transport will only be provided for groups of eight or more people travelling in the same vehicle.

How to apply

NSW Trains: contact Chandler Macleod Managed Training Services (MTS) between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 361 787
Fuel car or bus: This can only be accessed via a community organisation, e.g. Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), community/transport organisation who are willing to submit the TfNSW Sorry Business application form on the applicant's behalf.

**Please allow up to 3 business days for applications to be processed.

Further information and feedback

Chandler Macleod Managed Training Services (MTS) is working in partnership with Transport for NSW to provide the Aboriginal communities with a service to allow them to enquire and apply for funding to attend funerals. Chandler Macleod MTS provides this service free of charge as a commitment to reconciliation through their own Reconciliation Action Plan.

Aboriginal Funeral Transport (AFT) applicants can be assured that their interaction with MTS will be positive, easy and efficient and will be dealt with great respect.

Please note:

if you wish to submit an application, you will be asked to provide evidence of the funeral you will be attending so please assist MTS in providing this information so the application can be completed in a timely manner
approval must be obtained before the travel commences
applications may take up to three days to complete, so please contact MTS as soon as possible
the distanced travelled must be greater than 150 km from your residential address
the applicant will need to provide their own email and mobile number. They will receive a link via email to access a downloadable Fuel Card through Apple Pay or Android Pay. Funding can only be allocated to the same email and mobile twice (2) per calendar year.
if your application is approved, this assistance will only be provided to you twice (2) per calendar year
fuel funding is paid directly to applicants, who receive a link via email to access a downloadable Fuel Card via Apple Pay or Android Pay. The Fuel Card can be used at any Petrol Station that accepts Mastercard. For fuel subsidy applications you will need to submit an application via your local community organisation.
the program does not cover the cost of accommodation and meals
the program does not cover the cost of transporting deceased family members. Please speak to your local Area Health Service
the program does not provide contributions towards funerals.

Contact us

For more information, please contact Donna Coady, Aboriginal Service Development Officer.

Email: donna.coady@transport.nsw.gov.au