As one of Australia’s leading public transport providers, connecting people and communities is at the heart of what we do.
– CDC Australia Regional Australia Division Chief Executive Officer Tony Hopkins
To commemorate the launch of CDC’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the company placed RAP designs on buses around the country. Artwork: Luke Penrith, Connecting to Country and People, 2022. Pictures supplied
From left to right, CDC Canberra regional manager Michael Micic, driver-mechanic Jacko O’Mara and bus driver Lisa Syche celebrate NAIDOC’s 50th anniversary at the company’s Queanbeyan depot.
Leading multi-modal transport provider ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia (CDC), operator of CDC Canberra, will mark the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week with a range of employee and community initiatives across Australia, reinforcing its commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The activities build on CDC’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey, which began with the launch of its Reflect RAP in 2022, and has since evolved into the company’s Innovate RAP.
Over the past four years, CDC has expanded partnerships with First Nations organisations, including the Clontarf Foundation and various suppliers, while increasing employee participation in cultural awareness programs, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week activities.
For CDC Canberra, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate culture while creating pathways to employment and long-term opportunities.
CDC Australia Regional Australia Division Chief Executive Officer Tony Hopkins said the local business prides itself on reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves, with more than 40 cultures represented across its workforce of close to 300 employees based at Queanbeyan, Fyshwick and Yass.
“As an essential services provider, we offer secure employment and meaningful career opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life,” Mr Hopkins said. “There is no shortage of regular bus driver roles, which can be an attractive option for those considering a career shift or seeking extra income as they head into retirement.
“We’re proud to employ First Nations team members at CDC Australia, and are focused on growing those numbers through targeted recruitment and our paid driver and trades training programs.”
To mark NAIDOC Week, CDC Canberra employees gathered at the company’s Queanbeyan depot on Tuesday for a special celebration recognising the milestone 50th anniversary. NAIDOC Week messaging and artwork will also be displayed across the CDC bus fleet.
The CDC RAP artwork (main image), created by Luke Penrith, depicts trading routes and paths used by First Nations clans and tribes for thousands of years. Linking past to present, it helps to raise awareness and celebrate First Nations cultures across CDC services.
Mr Hopkins said as a business built on connecting people, CDC continues to drive reconciliation forward, creating stronger relationships, greater opportunities, and more inclusive communities across Australia.
“Connecting people and communities is at the heart of what we do,” Mr Hopkins said. “As one of Australia’s leading public transport providers, the communities we serve are diverse, and our organisation must be too.
“When we invest in cultural understanding and inclusion, we create better experiences for customers, stronger support for our drivers, and a more respectful transport network for everyone.”
Breaking news alert
Be the first to know when news breaks.
Loading…
Early Look At David Pope
Your exclusive preview of David Pope’s latest cartoon.
Loading…
Public Service News
Don’t miss updates on news about the Public Service.
Loading…
Times Reader’s Panel
Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.
Loading…
What’s On
Going out or staying in? Find out what’s on.
Loading…
The lunch break
Grab a quick bite of today’s latest news from around the region and the nation.
Loading…
The evening wrap
Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Loading…
Your morning news
Today’s top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
Loading…
Today’s Paper Alert
Your digital replica of Today’s Paper. Ready to read from 5am!
Loading…
The Echidna
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Loading…
Explore Travel News
Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Loading…
The Informer
Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
Loading…
Motoring
Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM’s exclusive motoring partner.
Loading…
Property
Get the latest property and development news here.
Loading…
Your favourite puzzles
Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Loading…
The Senior newsletters
Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.
Loading…
As it happens
Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports
Get the very best journalism from The Canberra Times by signing up to our special reports.
Loading…
Sport
The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Loading…
Voice of Real Australia
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network’s editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Loading…
Weekend Reads
We’ve selected the best reading for your weekend.
Loading…