A recently unveiled artwork at Busways Lonsdale depot, “South bound - connecting our southern communities”, has been catching the eye of team members and visitors to the depot. The artwork offers a daily reminder of the Country our services travel through and the communities they connect.

Created by Mya Damon, a proud Nyungar-Yamatji woman, the artwork reflects the local landscape surrounding Adelaide's southern region. Its colours reflect the colours of Country for much of the year, while journey lines represent the connections Busways’ services create across Adelaide. The Ngankiparingga (Onkaparinga River, 'Women's River' in Kaurna language) connects communities from the Adelaide Hills to the ocean at Port Noarlunga. Changing landforms and kangaroo tracks also recognise familiar features of the region.

The attention has even given the reception team an unofficial new role as artwork guides. When visitors stop to admire the piece, team members are happy to share the story behind its colours, symbols and connection to Country.

Mya Damon is a proud Nyungar-Yamatji woman with connections to the Ballardong, Amangu and Wudjari peoples. Mya’s work is also informed by her experience growing up and learning on the traditional lands of the Nauo, Barngarla and Kaurna peoples.

Busways acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Busways Lonsdale operates. We recognise their continuing connection to Country, culture and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The artwork was unveiled last month, with members of the Public Transport South Australia executive team alongside Busways leadership team and Busways South Australia team. 

This artwork installation is one of the local actions being delivered through Busways’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, to build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Busways Chief Executive Officer, Will O'Neill said meeting Mya and learning about the story behind the artwork made the installation particularly meaningful.

"Seeing the artwork and hearing more about the culture and history that shaped Mya’s work gave me a deeper understanding of what it represents. It was also encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the Busways South Australia team as they welcomed the artwork to Lonsdale," Mr O'Neill said.

Busways General Manager, South Australia, Neil Henderson said the artwork would have an enduring place at the depot.

“Having this artwork at Busways Lonsdale will give our team a daily reminder of the Country we work on and the communities we serve. It is a meaningful addition to the depot and reflects the respect we want to carry through our work each day,” Mr Henderson said.

Ms Damon welcomed the opportunity for her artwork to become part of the depot.

"It is great to see my artwork installed at Busways Lonsdale and to see the company recognise the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land," Ms Damon said.

Now part of the depot, the artwork will be seen each day by the people who help keep Adelaide's south connected. It is a lasting reminder of the Country those services travel through and of the Busways Lonsdale team's commitment to serving local communities with respect. Busways will continue investing in cultural learning and local engagement as it strengthens relationships across its service regions.