BusNSW has been busy leading the way with professional development for the bus industry, evidenced by last week’s Leading Edge Seminar in Sydney
July 13, 2011
A trivia quiz, music, dance and topical debate on social media and the carbon tax were features of BusNSW’s radical approach to challenging the next generation of transport leaders at the recent Leading Edge Seminar in Sydney.
The seminar drawcard was NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian who spoke on the future of the industry.
Although her answers to a range of key industry questions were along the lines “you will have to wait and see”, the Minister did confirm Metro contracts would be extended, but questions on a new transport marketing strategy and roll out of growth buses will have to wait.
BusNSW Executive Director Darryl Mellish says NSW’s bus industry is anxiously awaiting the appointments of new Deputy Directors General, and the Minister vows to “hang her hat on” the introduction of a new customer engagement culture following years of neglect.
The day-long seminar got down to serious discussion on hot political topics including the proposed carbon tax.
Mellish says the consensus among seminar delegates indicates there is low confidence in the tax.
Mellish welcomed the discussions and praised the support from the Minister and industry members.
He says, however, the lack of Department of Transport engagement at the seminar was noted despite the Minister’s commitment to partnering with the bus industry.
There were lighter moments during the seminar, which featured a session on the tools for self-development and team building, promoted in an interactive way where singing, dancing and music were used as models to consider leadership versus management and inspiration versus motivation.
The Leading Edge Seminar was sponsored by Volvo, Heritage Finance and Volgren.