BusNSW has held its 2025 NextGen Leaders Forum in Sydney, inspiring and equipping the emerging leaders of the state’s bus and coach industry.
On August 22, the event, sponsored by Volvo Bus Australia, ran under the theme ‘Change starts here: Shaping industry transformation’ and brought together young leaders, industry experts and key stakeholders to explore how leadership will drive the next era of growth, reform and innovation.
The forum opened with a welcome from BusNSW President John King, who spoke about the scale of transformation underway across the industry and the vital role of the next generation in shaping the future of public transport. He inspired delegates with the message that the industry’s future rests in their hands, and that their leadership will determine its success.
BusNSW executive director Matt Threlkeld reinforced this message, noting that while the industry is undergoing reform, its outlook remains bright. He pointed to population growth, investment, sustainability and technology as drivers of innovative and impactful careers for young leaders.
Delegates experienced a program that combined inspiration with practical tools. Caroline Kennedy opened with an energising keynote on thriving through change, urging participants to challenge inherited thinking, embrace uncertainty and step into leadership with confidence.
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David Callahan, executive director for bus transformation at Transport for NSW, outlined progress on the Bus Industry Taskforce recommendations and also shared leadership insights drawn from theory and practice. David Fennell of Pitcher Partners followed with guidance on building financial confidence, showing how data, benchmarking and cost modelling underpin sustainable businesses.
In the afternoon, Heroly Chour of Busable demonstrated how artificial intelligence and digital tools are reshaping efficiency, safety and the customer experience, while Nikki Britt of Navigate Work focused on strategies to foster supportive workplaces and reduce workers compensation risks.
A key highlight was the Future-Ready Leadership Workshop, where delegates collaborated in small groups to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of leaders. The interactive session promoted critical thinking and open discussion, focusing on priority areas such as customer expectations, fleet management, workforce development and industry advocacy.
The forum concluded with a networking function, where participants connected with peers, mentors and senior leaders in a relaxed environment.
The success of the 2025 NextGen Leaders Forum underscored the importance of leadership development in the bus and coach industry, with delegate feedback confirming it delivered valuable professional development and networking while building momentum for the next generation to shape a future defined by growth, innovation and reform.
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