27 May 2025

National Reconciliation Week 2025 invites all Australians to reflect on the theme “Bridging Now to Next”, a call to reflect the ongoing connection between past, present and future. 

Busways’ journey is guided by genuine curiosity, humility, and a commitment to meaningful action. In June 2024, we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at our Blacktown Depot, marking a significant step towards contributing to the national effort for reconciliation between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As part of our RAP, this week we're launching Indigenous cultural awareness training to help build understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures across our workforce.  

Reflecting on the initiative, Sustainability Manager Suzanne Mildren said, “Like many, my education barely touched on Indigenous history. I believe this training will give our teams the tools to better understand the past and present, improve our working relationships going forward, and open up meaningful opportunities to work with Indigenous owned businesses and talent.”

Team members like Leigha George have embraced this journey with open hearts. As part of the RAP Working Group, Leigha participated in Reconciliation Australia's RAP Training, gaining clarity and confidence to contribute meaningfully to our reconciliation efforts.

Busways CEO Will O’Neill said that we are entering into the second year of our Reconciliation Action Plan with a strong focus on turning intention into long-term impact.

"We've laid the groundwork, and now we're building on it with further initiatives, including the opportunity to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses like Evolve Communities," Will added.

Beyond internal initiatives, Busways actively participates in community events that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and resilience. These events serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and survival of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Reconciliation isn’t just a single-week initiative; it's an ongoing journey of partnership, respect, and shared growth. We are dedicated to walking this path together and bridging now to next, side by side.