Busways joins communities across Australia in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 and embracing this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

This powerful theme celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, driven by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of the ancestors.

Busways recognises the importance of these celebrations and the need to build strong, respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Last week, Busways recruitment team and RAP Working Group members took part in the Babana Aboriginal Employment Day at Cockatoo Island, connecting with hundreds of attendees to share information about careers in the bus and transport industry. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with community members and create direct pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join our workforce.

The engagement continues this week as the Busways team prepares to participate in the Baabayn NAIDOC event on Thursday at Whalan Reserve in Western Sydney. Our team will be on hand to provide information about local transport services and raise awareness of the many career opportunities available at Busways.

“Our Reflect RAP has been a meaningful step in Busways’ reconciliation journey. It has allowed us to listen, learn and connect with Aboriginal communities,” said Suzanne Mildren, Sustainability Manager at Busways.

“Our participation in these community events, along with the activities we have undertaken over the past year, are part of our commitment to building genuine relationships and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our industry,” she added.

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey, we are also continuing to deepen our cultural understanding. Our management team is currently participating in training with partner, Evolve Communities, focused on seven practical steps to reconciliation and allyship, including topics looking at our shared history and cultural practices.

Over the past 12 months, our RAP Working Group, has led meaningful cultural events, educational sessions, and community engagement initiatives as part of the first year of Busways’ RAP implementation. This has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and deeper connections with communities. As we move forward, the “Next Generation” theme of NAIDOC Week serves as a reminder and commitment that true reconciliation requires ongoing investment in relationships, opportunities, and cultural understanding.