The BusNSW 2024 Member Conference, held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith on October 9 and 10, attracted over 300 delegates from across the state. With the conclusion of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce and renewal of rural and regional bus contracts, this year’s conference was a key event for the industry.
The theme, Shifting Gears: Adapting to a Dynamic Landscape, emphasised the need for operators, suppliers and government to stay agile in the face of change. Spanning one and a half days, the conference provided a mix of informative talks, panel sessions and networking opportunities, allowing delegates to discuss the industry’s future.
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Day 1 Highlights: Taskforce and Regional Focus
After an Acknowledgement of Country by Glen Liddiard, BusNSW President John King opened the event. The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Minister for Regional Transport, outlined the government’s transport priorities for regional communities. This was followed by a panel discussion, led by BusNSW Executive Director Matt Threlkeld, with a presentation by Taskforce Chair John Lee, updating delegates on the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce’s final report.
A key session on next-generation rural and regional bus contracts included perspectives from Transport for NSW and industry representatives. Safety was also a major theme, with Duncan Lucas from Transport for NSW providing updates on safety regulation, followed by a panel on driver health and wellbeing facilitated by Nikki Britt of Navigate Work.
The day also featured the presentation of three industry awards by Minister Aitchison and John King, with Eliza Baldwin winning the achiever award, Kinetic taking home the environment and innovation award and the apprentice of the year award going to Matthew Geary.
The evening concluded with a cocktail function at Squires Terrace in Panthers Penrith, where delegates continued to network.
Day 2 Highlights: Safety, Innovation, and Collaboration
Day 2 covered topics relevant to contracted operators, tour and charter operators, and suppliers. NSW Minister for Transport, the Hon. Jo Haylen MP, delivered a government address, sharing insights from the Bus Industry Taskforce and outlining plans for reliable and affordable public transport.
Explorer and author James Castrission gave an inspiring keynote on the power of planning and collaboration in overcoming challenges, drawing parallels to the bus industry and shifting toward a partnership model.
Key sessions featured updates on heavy vehicle safety presented by Jennifer Rotili from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, alongside bus safety insights from Samantha Moran of the Office of Transport Safety Investigations. Following lunch, Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward addressed delegates, paving the way for discussions on employee relations and asset management. Interactive panel sessions, facilitated by Steve Lynch and Philip Whipp from BusNSW, emphasised the importance of cultivating a skilled workforce and transitioning to zero-emission solutions.
The day ended with a breakout session, where delegates discussed twelve key topics for the NSW Bus and Coach Industry in small groups and presented the outcomes.
Three additional awards were presented by Minister Haylen, with CDC NSW winning the safety award, VDI taking home the supplier of the year award and John King being rewarded with the outstanding contribution to the industry award.
Celebrating Success and Collaboration
The conference concluded with a ‘Black and Gold’ themed dinner, offering delegates a final opportunity to network and reflect on the event’s success. With strong attendance and engaging discussions, the BusNSW 2024 Member Conference left delegates inspired and prepared for an evolving environment.
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