BusNSW says its members will grapple with industry change at the upcoming annual conference in Wollongong
BusNSW has invited members to register for its 2023 Member Conference to be held at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach on October 4 and 5.
BusNSW Executive Director Matt Threlkeld says the recent change of government in NSW and the creation of the Bus Industry Taskforce to review bus services across NSW means this will be a conference not to be missed.
This year’s conference provides members with an opportunity to hear firsthand from ministers on how the new NSW government will invest in affordable, reliable and sustainable transport.
“The industry is undergoing significant change and the provision of world-leading passenger services requires a stable regulatory environment, service contracts and fleet procurement model,” Threlkeld says.
“With the transition of the bus fleet to zero-emissions, staffing challenges and the need to consider the next generation of rural and regional contracts, it is a crucial time to share ideas and plan for the future.”
The conference theme, Embracing Transformation for a Sustainable Future, reflects the need for operators, suppliers andgovernment to innovate and adapt in a changing environment.
“Similarto how the industry demonstrated its resilience throughout the COVIDpandemic,this time of transformation requires us to be innovative,” Threlkeld says.
Given the industry’s unique role in operating heavy vehicles to carry the public, safety will continue to be a strong focus. The management of safety via regulatory schemes and operator safety performance will be important points of discussion at the conference.
The two-day event includes conference sessions and a welcome function on Wednesday October 4 and a full day conference and conference dinner on Thursday October 5. There will be opportunities to raise issues via interactive panel sessions and to network with industry colleagues.
RELATED ARTICLE: BusNSW launches Signal for Help program for mental health
The first day will have a strong focus on rural and regional bus contracts and operations, though many topics covered will be of interest to all operators and industry suppliers. The second will include a broad spectrum of content with topics being relevant to contracted operators, the long distance, tourist and charter sector and industry suppliers.
https://assets.primecreative.com.au/imagegen/max/cr/625/-/assets/abcau/2023/08/01/Misc/IMG_0882-copy.JPEG
Conference program highlights include addresses from NSW transport ministers, a keynote from a futurist and innovation expert and updates on NSW government programs involving the rollout of equipment and new technologies. Topics include the Transport Connected Bus Program, the transition to ZEB, managing a critical incident, the NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme, the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme, employee relations and the transition to clean energy.
BusNSW President John King says it’s pleasing to have the NSW government and transport for NSW participating in this year’s conference.
“Our communities depend on a strong partnership between industry and government, and our member conference provides an opportunity for collaboration and information sharing to improve performance,” he says.
A full Conference Program is available via the conference page on the BusNSW website or by contacting BusNSW.
There will be an Accompanying Person Tour on October 5 which will visit local attractions and a restaurant for lunch. A full itinerary is available on the BusNSW website.
Registrations for the BusNSW 2023 Member Conference must be made via the online booking link on the BusNSW website and payment is required by credit card at the time of booking.
BusNSW would like to thank its Platinum and Gold Partners for supporting the event and looks forward to seeing members in Wollongong.