In a week that marks meaningful reconciliation progress one year on from the launch of Busways Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Busways hosted two heartfelt events - a Welcome to Country at its Ryde Depot and a local Indigenous artwork presentation at Busways Port Macquarie Depot.

The events are part of a 12-month rollout of activities across Busways to help deepen understanding, relationships, and respect between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Ryde Depot ceremony was opened by Uncle Brendan Kerin, a respected cultural educator, artist and representative of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Standing before depot staff and RAP committee members, Uncle Brendan delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, grounding the audience in the deep spiritual and cultural meaning of being welcomed onto land.

“A Welcome to Country is about welcoming you to our homeland,” Uncle Brendan explained. “And when you’re welcomed, we ask that you walk with respect, the same way you would in someone’s home.”

He reminded the team that the lands they stood on traditionally belonged to the Wallumattagal clan of the Eora Nation and spoke about the loss of traditional custodians in the Sydney area due to colonisation and its aftermath. Still, the enduring spirit of the ancestors remains.

His presentation included a traditional yidaki (didgeridoo) performance, complete with the humorous story of a hitchhiker told through the instrument's voice. It was both a cultural lesson and a musical gift, with stories embedded in every note.

On the mid-North Coast, at Busways Port Macquarie depot, local Aboriginal artist Colleena Smith presented her artwork "Water on Country," creating another touchstone moment for Busways' reconciliation journey.  

The artwork is now proudly displayed at the Port Macquarie Depot reception, acting as a mark of respect for the traditional landowners and a reminder of the enduring connection between people, place, and culture.

“Each artwork I paint always has a meaning that captures the moment.  This painting represents Water on country,” said Colleena Smith.  

“The water is the Hastings River that rises in the Great Dividing Range and flows south-east through a coastal floodplain to Port Macquarie, where it meets the Pacific Ocean; and down to Camden Haven, which flows through coastal lakes to the sea. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Busways' reconciliation efforts.” Ms. Smith added," Both events were attended by members of Busways’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group, depot staff, support office teams, and Busways CEO Will O’Neill. They were a continuation of the company’s commitment under its Reflect RAP, launched in 2024, to build cultural awareness and embed reconciliation values throughout the organisation.

Will O’Neill, Busways CEO, said he was proud to walk this journey with his team. “These are the kinds of moments that help us grow and develop a deeper understanding of the culture and history that surrounds us, as individuals and as a company.”

“Our reconciliation initiatives are helping us build a stronger sense of connection and place. It’s a continuous journey, and it’s also a learning curve, one that challenges us to think differently about the role we can play in helping to close the gap.”

“We’re here to listen, to learn, and to walk respectfully alongside First Nations people. That’s what reconciliation looks like,” said O’Neill.

“One of the most meaningful ways we can reduce inequality is through employment — creating real pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to thrive in the communities we serve. That’s the kind of impact we’re committed to.”

The timing of these events was significant, occurring between National Reconciliation Week (May 28 to June 3) and NAIDOC Week (July 6-13), two important periods in Australia's cultural calendar that educate and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

As NAIDOC Week approaches, these initiatives demonstrate how transportation services can play a meaningful role in advancing reconciliation. As a business that connects communities daily, Busways recognises its responsibility to honour the Traditional Custodians of the lands where it operates.