Held on August 23 at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square and supported by Volvo Bus Australia, the BusNSW 2024 NextGen Leaders Forum was a resounding success.
With the theme “Driven to Lead,” the forum brought together a diverse group of young leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the bus industry and the vital role that new leadership will play in its future.
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This year’s forum was marked by its inclusive approach, drawing participants from across various sectors, regions, and organisations — from family-owned businesses to multinational corporations. This diversity was intentional and fostered a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives that challenged conventional thinking and stimulated innovative solutions.
The forum opened with a welcome address from BusNSW president John King: “We need passionate young leaders like you to step up, get involved, and help shape the future—both within your organizations and across the industry,” he says. “Many of us have been around for decades, but the challenges we face today require fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. This is your chance to make a difference and be part of something bigger.”
Following King’s remarks, BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld and industry development manager Philip Whipp took to the stage to provide an overview of the current state of the bus industry. Their discussion highlighted the unique opportunities available for emerging leaders, emphasising the need for adaptability, strategic thinking, and innovation in addressing challenges such as evolving customer expectations, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.
One of the forum’s most engaging sessions involved participants developing a NextGen Industry Action Plan. This exercise focused on addressing critical issues facing the NSW bus industry, including passenger experience, fleet management, driver safety, workforce value, and bus service contracts.
A key highlight of the forum was the session on leadership and resilience. The Hon. Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, delivered an inspiring address, sharing insights from her own journey and emphasising the importance of resilience in leadership. Her message resonated deeply with the audience, as she highlighted how resilience enables leaders to navigate challenges and guide their teams with confidence.
The session continued with Steering Healthy Minds national coordinator Emma Flynn, who focused on managing mental health within the transport industry. She underscored the importance of peer-to-peer support and highlighted strategies that help to ensure workers are safe, supported, and mentally healthy.
In the afternoon, Steople general manager consulting Lorraine Smith, facilitated sessions on interpersonal communication and psychosocial health. The “Dealing with Difference” session provided participants with effective strategies for communicating with individuals who have different communication styles or perspectives. This was followed by a session on practical strategies for enhancing psychosocial health, offering attendees tools to manage stress and maintain well-being in their professional lives.
The forum’s closing address was by Volvo Bus Australia regional sales manager NSW Stuart Woodward. He praised participants for their engagement and encouraged them to apply the insights gained to their roles within the industry.
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Threlkeld remarked, “Today’s forum has demonstrated the incredible potential of our next generation of leaders and their willingness to take on the challenges facing our industry.”
The day ended with a networking function, offering attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build relationships to support their growth as future leaders of the NSW bus industry.
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