Connect - 30 July 2021

Keeping up a great effort

Following last week’s video message in response to the latest developments in the COVID outbreak, the way people have responded across the agency has been an exceptional all-round effort.

Please continue to apply the COVID-safe measures that are now required, apply 5S principles and keep up the good work. We play a vital role in sustaining services to our community and keeping our economy humming. Let’s continue to support each other and keep ourselves safe as we work together to play our broader role that is part of the response to the COVID outbreak. As you will see in the following articles, our efforts are being recognised and appreciated.

Appreciation from industry

I recently received a letter from the CEO of the Australian Flexible Pavement Association expressing their appreciation for our efforts which have, in their own words, “allowed our civil sector to maintain and create safe employment to support Australia’s economic recovery”.

Given the past week’s lockdown and the economic challenges it brings, each project that we get under way has very real benefits for business and employees.  Everyone involved behind the scenes in supporting this effort can take pride in the efforts our agency makes to support the broader community.

Appreciation from customers

Whilst on the subject of appreciation, we learned of a great story from a Service SA client in Mount Gambier!  Centre Manager Amanda Kozubaj and her team recently received a surprise flower delivery, along with an anonymous note that says it all.

Sustaining excellent service to our customers brings its own challenges in today’s environment.  Across Service SA, the team have been as dedicated as always to professional service, and helping customers wherever they can. Great to see the Mount Gambier Service SA team get some recognition for the way they are going about delivery of vital services to their local community.

Adelaide Metro website updated

SAPTA’s digital team continue to update the Adelaide Metro website, adding new features that make it easier for our public transport customers to access the information they need.

Improvements include better journey planning that links with Google Maps; more dynamic route maps on timetable pages; a ‘My favourites’ button that enables simple and quick access to personally relevant information; lost property reporting; and adding a fare finder.

Congratulations to the team for a job well done.

Security tip of the month – QR codes

We are all now very familiar with Quick Response (QR) codes given the COVID check-in requirements wherever we go, so it is a good time to consider their security.

A QR code is technically a two-dimensional barcode that is used to access data or weblinks.  It can be used by hackers in the same way as any malicious website or link.  A QR code could take you to a website that downloads malware, provide your phone’s location details without consent, or tricks you into providing personal contact or banking details.

So, what do you need to watch out for and what can you do to minimise risk?  First, check for fake stickers over an original bar code.  Make sure you use a QR code reader app with security features.  And if you are using your phone’s camera, then check the URL that displays before clicking through to the website and if it looks doubtful, do not proceed.  Finally, always use the mySA GOV app for COVID-safe check-in.

See the Intranet NEWS article for more detail and a link to our Cyber Security intranet page.

Staff spotlight is on …

Tina Tangalidis joined the public sector in 1986 with what was then the Department for Community Welfare. After a stint with Super SA she finally joined our department in its Transport SA iteration in 1999 at Walkerville.

Well known across the department after many years in various administrative roles, mainly on infrastructure projects, Tina is now at Regency Park where she has everyone (even Manager, Barry Ioanni) under control.

Friday Flashback

Today’s Friday Flashback revisits Adelaide’s iconic Central Market, back in 1923. Viewed from Grote Street, it shows people milling around outside John Atkin's 'Pay and Carry' Store, one of the then-new shops at the market.

SLSA B 1858