Connect - 22 October 2021
Message from the Chief Executive
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G'day. You might have seen in the news a few weeks ago that the first carriage of our new electric trains arrived in Adelaide.
Well number five arrived last night and here it is fresh off the factory floor, still in its wraps.
There's a lot of work that goes on between receiving from the factory, one of our electric trains, and putting it into service.
And I'm here at Seaford depot to have a look behind the scenes at what happens.
The manufacturing facility in Melbourne is where they fabricate the body shell and then assemble all of the components before they ship it to us here.
When it arrives, the first thing we do is fit the traction motor to the bogey.
From there, all of the underfloor components are individually tested to ensure that they meet the factory specifications and perform to a very high standard of reliability.
There's also extensive testing of each of the in-cab systems and the onboard controls that help to run the train safely.
When all of that is done and it's meeting the standards, it's ready for the train to go out on track for dynamic testing.
Dynamic testing is the technical term for taking the train for a test drive. It's the first time the unit is operated in its service environment and it's where they check its acceleration, braking and other performance characteristics to make sure that it meets our specification.
At this stage the interior is yet to be fitted, so it's got ballast on it. But when it passes this test it goes off to Dry Creek, where the interior is then fitted and it's finally ready for service.
As you can appreciate when you go behind the scenes, there's an extremely thorough process that we go through once we take delivery of the train from the factory.
All of this is designed to ensure the safety and the reliability of the trains before we put them into service for our customers ... and that's the way it should be.
Community engagement at Truro
Community engagement and consultation has swung into top gear on the $202 million Sturt Highway bypass around Truro following the recent release of plans for the project.
About 100 people attended an information session last week. This was also an opportunity to get local knowledge on topography, flooding and infrastructure, as well as ideas on potential enhancements to the amenity of the town. These inputs play an invaluable role in informing final project design.
Community members from Truro also shared a range of views about the impacts of the project. It was clear from their feedback that the reduction in heavy vehicles through the town is eagerly anticipated.
Attendees at the Truro information session.
RAA Street Smart High
One of the highlights of our THINK! Road Safety partnerships program is the RAA Street Smart High event held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre this week. This annual event started in 2013, and after a break last year due to the pandemic it’s back stronger than ever, with around 4000 Year 10-12 students and 150 teachers attending each of the two days.
The event program includes a crash scene re-enactment by emergency services, information about how to stay safe on our roads and some powerful personal stories of the life-changing impact of a serious crash, both from survivors and from close family members of those who died in a crash.
This immersive learning experience is a powerful way to deliver the THINK! Road Safety message to this very important segment of our community – young people who are soon to be licensed drivers and/or motorbike riders, or may already have their Ps.
The video below captures the atmosphere of the event.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff forum
Our annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff forum was held last week.
These two-day forums provide an excellent opportunity for our colleagues from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to gather and exchange information on developments and initiatives that are connected with our Aboriginal engagement, employment and economic participation programs.
The forum also facilitates sharing of workplace experiences and an opportunity to provide feedback to a number of senior leaders, which in turn helps guide the next steps in our reconciliation journey.
Boat and fishing show pushes off today
It was all hands on deck on Wednesday morning to set up our display for the SA Boat and Fishing Show, which opened at the Adelaide Showground this morning.
Participating in these events is always a team effort, with the Regency Park crew sharing set-up, staffing the display, on-stage presentations and even conducting tests for boat licences.
Running today and over the weekend from 9am to 5pm, the event is a great opportunity to share key marine safety information. If you are out on the water this summer, remember that a life jacket never spoiled a day on the water, and it might just save your life.
DIT-CASR partnership seminar
For many years our Department has collaborated with the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR). This has generated a wealth of information and data that is being used to inform, develop and implement measures that improve road safety.
Over the years CASR’s contribution has ranged from high-level background information and research into different aspects of road safety, to providing specific data that informs policy decision making.
A seminar showcasing some of the road safety research projects coming out of the DIT-CASR Research Partnership will be available via Teams next Wednesday, 27 October, 10-11am. Three recent research projects will be featured: SA line-marking; event data recorder insights and vehicle speeds.
If you would like to attend virtually, register by midday Tuesday 26 October with an email to DIT.RoadSafety@sa.gov.au. Invitations will then be sent, enabling you to join the seminar.
CASR Director, Associate Professor Jeremy Wooley and DIT Acting Manager Road Safety Information and Analysis, Michelle Philp.
Staff spotlight is on …
Troy Sibbick is approaching 20 years with the department after starting as a trainee in Patronage Audit Information Services with the now absorbed Public Transport Board.
Troy has since become something of a legend and a well-known face around the CBD offices because of his mail runs. Passenger audits are still part of Troy’s role, which also includes processing timetable orders and organising school visits for sessions on rail safety and general use of the public transport system.
Annual report online
Our annual report has now been tabled in Parliament and uploaded to the internet.
Thanks to each of the divisions for their timely input, which enabled the Government Services team to deliver the final document to our Ministers’ offices for them to table by the legislated deadline.
The annual report contains an excellent overview of the Department in relation to the breadth of our responsibilities and strategic objectives.
Friday Flashback
Today’s Friday Flashback shows the Glenelg train on King William Street, just past the Carrington Street entrance, with the old Kings Theatre on the corner. The photo was taken around 1926.
SLSA B 45653
If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or concerns, please email them to telltony@sa.gov.au.