Connect - 9 July 2021

NAIDOC tram

A specially wrapped NAIDOC tram is now circulating through the Adelaide Metro network and will remain in service alongside our Kardi Munaintya (Emu Dreaming) tram until August.

While Emu Dreaming is a local design, this second tram is part of a national campaign. The design is taken from the 2021 National NAIDOC Week poster by Gubbi Gubbi artist, Queenslander Maggie-Jean Douglas, representing and drawing on the different colours of landscapes around Australia.

Our trams are fantastic mobile billboards to acknowledge and show an appreciation of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Investing in our future

It was great to learn that the PTP Alliance Golden Grove Park ‘n’ Ride team are running site tours with local Year 10 and 11 students who have an interest in the construction industry.

Project details were explained on site (below) and in the classroom, along with the range of trade and tertiary qualifications required to enter the industry.

Conducting events of this nature creates goodwill with our community and promotes a broader understanding of the works that we are delivering, and their benefits. It is an excellent way to engage and communicate with the community and stakeholders during project delivery.

Beyond this, giving students an opportunity to interact with construction professionals helps to broaden students’ thinking about career opportunities and stimulate interest in working in our industry sector. My thanks to the team who organised this event for your efforts. Great to see.

Paradise interchange murals

There is some spectacular new artwork on the O-Bahn, departing the Paradise Interchange heading out of town under Darley Road.

Local artist Scott Rathman has showcased his skills in telling a story of aspects of his Aboriginal heritage with two murals. One mural represents the sun rising over the Adelaide Hills and the other takes us to sunset out west, over the ocean.

Roger Agius and the Rail Care team are the powerhouse behind this. They run an exceptional program on rail, and it is great to see them now extending their reach into the bus network. As well as the Paradise Interchange, murals can now also be viewed by our Adelaide Metro customers at the Klemzig and Tea Tree Plaza interchanges.

Staff spotlight is on …

Jade Wilson started with Recreation and Sport as an Indigenous Sports Development Officer when it was part of the Department in 2014, after essentially being talent spotted when competing the previous year in the Tour de Nunga. One year participating, the next, running the show.

Now managing the Aboriginal Driver Licencing Team with its On the Right Track service delivery, Jade is committed to the licencing program and the satisfaction it brings.

‘’Besides the obvious benefits to road safety and having people legally able to drive, On the Right Track has other direct and very meaningful impacts on peoples’ lives. Things like having photo ID on a driver’s licence enables easier access to services. Just being able to experience respectful and culturally appropriate interactions with government agencies builds mutual respect and grows beneficial levels of comfort and familiarity with administrative processes,” she says.

Friday Flashback

Today’s Friday Flashback shows the intersection of King William Street and Rundle Street, looking west into Hindley Street, about 1891. If you look very carefully, you may find a man riding a penny farthing bicycle. Hope you can spot him.

SLSA PRG 631/2/4505