Bus operator Busways has launched its first ever Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), holding an event at its Blacktown Depot in a “day of celebration and reflection”.
It announced the launch on LinkedIn, as it strives to take steps to “contribute to the national effort for reconciliation” for Indigenous Australians.
“Yesterday we had the privilege to launch Busways first Reconciliation Action Plan,” Busways’ post says, “outlining the concrete steps we will be taking to contribute to the national effort for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians”.
“The launch at our Blacktown Depot was both a day of celebration and reflection. Employees gathered to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate our bus services.”
The day began with an Acknowledgement of Country and smoking ceremony performed by 103-year-old Biduginbul elder Uncle Wes. Uncle Wes is a storyteller, activist and poet who has spent the last 47 years sharing traditional knowledge and personal experiences from living on Dharug lands in Western Sydney for decades.
Proud Boorooberongal clan woman and Aboriginal artist Melissa Barton created an artwork to celebrate the launch of the RAP titled ‘Muru Dharug Gnurra’ or ‘Journeys over Dharug Country.’ Barton’s artwork will be featured on the livery of one of Busways’ Blacktown buses.
“Busways is actively working to increase Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workforce representation and economic participation through partnerships with Indigenous-owned businesses,” Busways says.
“Building on our existing projects and partnerships, we are proud to formalise our journey towards reconciliation with the introduction of Busways’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to learn about the stories, traditions, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Through the RAP framework and the establishment of Busways’ Reconciliation Action Working Group, we will work together to achieve our objectives and contribute to better outcomes for Indigenous Australians, who are our colleagues, clients, customers, commercial and community partners, and stakeholders.”