DPTI Matters - 8 May 2020

A word from the Chief Executive

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or concerns, please email them to telltony@sa.gov.au.

Suggestions for DPTI Matters items can be emailed to dpti.matters@sa.gov.au

Showing respect for Traditional Owners

The DPTI Community Engagement team is proud to have recently taken delivery of banners acknowledging the Traditional Owners of South Australia, to be prominently displayed at community events.

The banners were designed by ​DPTI Landscape Architect Paul Herzich, who has Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri heritage and has created Indigenous artworks across the state, including on trams and next to key regional roads.

Showing appropriate cultural respect is critical to everything we do and I’m pleased to know that a message such as this will proudly state our respect for Traditional Owners in the future.

Responding in the best of ways

One of the critical components of what we do is making sure we have partners and contractors with the right skills, and that was certainly the case in a recent medical emergency at the Paradise Interchange.

A Wilson Security guard responded quickly when a man collapsed at the interchange, providing lifesaving CPR then supporting paramedics when they arrived. Happily the man recovered and he and the security guard later met in better circumstances - over a morning tea.

Working towards the new normal

There have been some great results in COVID-19 testing in South Australia recently and we, along with the rest of the state, are cautiously looking at what the new normal will be when restrictions are gradually lifted.

While the current indicators are encouraging, we need to remember that we still have a long way to go and continue to do the basics, such as maintaining good hand hygiene, cleaning and sanitising workspaces and being aware of the new norms on gatherings, greetings and social distancing.

The executive management team will continue to take advice from health experts and will formulate plans to keep us operating safely and productively as we go forward.

Making a healthy difference all round

One of the traffic controllers on our Golden Grove Road Upgrade Project has been making a big impression on fellow workers and members of the public.

Matthew Berkholst, from RAW Recruitment and Services, received a Safety Award for his outstanding contribution to Health & Safety based on positive feedback recognising his attention to health and safety, a positive attitude, diligence to the job, friendliness to motorists and pedestrians, and outstanding service.

Members of the public even took the time to contact RAW to provide thanks for the great work he is doing. Great job, Matthew.

Matthew Berkholst with CATCON’s Sheila McGregor.

Vale Rod Payze

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Department of Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts Chief Executive Rod Payze this week.

Rod was known to many, both on and off the field, for his stellar football career, which led to him being awarded SANFL League Life Membership in 2006.

To many DPTI staff he is remembered as a leader who formulated and developed this state’s transport and boating infrastructure, and as a friend.

His community service was extensive and as a keen fisherman he took on the role of chairman of the SA Boating Facilities Advisory Committee from 2003 to 2018. He also served on many boards such as RAA, Flinders Ports and notably as Chairman of the SANFL.

Our thoughts are with Rod’s family and friends.

Rod Payze 

Friday Flashback

Today’s Friday Flashback takes a wander back to 1928, when you could grab a convenient trim or shave at the Adelaide Railway Station barber shop before jumping on a train.