Eight community transport employees, based across NSW, have been awarded scholarships from the State Government and University of Sydney to further their professional knowledge and careers.
Transport for NSW and the University’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) jointly sponsor the scholarships, each valued at $3,350, for people working in the community transport industry.
Holly Bannerman and Cameron Booth from Linked Community Services in Port Macquarie are among the scholarship winners who are attending a four-day course in Sydney until this Friday (14 July).
They said the Certificate of Transport Management would equip community transport professionals to run more efficient, safe, and successful services in their respective communities.
Ms Bannerman said the learning was immensely valuable in her work as Operations Manager at Linked Community Services.
“I am responsible for training and developing staff to meet the requirements of the organisation, ensuring cross-skilling within the operations team along with implementing processes and policies to ensure service efficiencies,” Ms Bannerman said.
“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity through this scholarship to learn from other individuals and gain valuable insight into governance within the transport industry.”
Mr Booth, who is Linked Community Services’ Client Services Officer, said he is excited about the scholarship opportunity.
“I hope to complete this course with a greater understanding of regulatory requirements and best practices which I can use to improve the delivery of services that our organisation provides,” he said.
Director of Outer Metropolitan and Community Transport at Transport for NSW, Nicole O’Neill, said it was important to encourage the best leadership in the community transport sector, which assists those who may have limited access to affordable transport due to their age, mobility, health issues or location.
“We know that quality, reliable transport is essential to wellbeing because it allows people to continue to access essential services and maintain important social and cultural connections,” Mrs O’Neill said.
“This scholarship recognises the professionalism and dedication of the nearly 70 Transport for NSW contracted Community Transport Providers across NSW, who deliver services to support eligible older individuals to stay independent and maintain their quality of life by staying in their own home for longer,” she said.
In the year to June 2022, Community Transport Providers were responsible for providing 1.13 million trips for over 60,000 customers.
