Ben’s perspective on Midsumma and finding community on the road

• Kinetic Pride Champions celebrate Melbourne's 30th Midsumma Pride March 
• Among them was bus driver Ben, who brought his mother and friends
• Together they shared the simple message "You are loved" 

As Kinetic proudly took part in Melbourne’s 30th Midsumma Pride March, bus driver Ben saw it as more than just a celebration—it was about visibility and sending a simple message that “You are loved”.

Ben’s journey with Kinetic began after a career shift. “I’d worked in insurance for years, but after my long service leave, I just couldn’t see myself going back,” he said. 

“I did casual jobs, trained as a pathology collector for a while, but I needed something full-time. I took two years off, backpacked, and when I came back, I knew I didn’t want to return to the same job,” he said. 

Exploring different roles, he found Kinetic, which welcomed him through its trainee bus driver program. “I didn’t even have a heavy vehicle licence, but they gave me a shot and were welcoming.”

As a member of the LGBTQI+ community, Ben valued Kinetic’s inclusivity. “I did my research and it was obvious how they support our community.” He quickly settled in and found himself enjoying a career he never expected. “I could see myself doing this for years.”
 

When he saw a QR code at work promoting Midsumma, he hesitated but eventually signed up. 

“I’d seen last year’s update and thought, why not? Plus, I listen to Joy FM and have done Mardi Gras before. I've been to Pride events in São Paulo and Medellín, and they were incredible," he said. 

"But there’s something special about marching in your own city, and with the people you work with every day. It was such a cool opportunity that I accidentally registered eight people,” he laughed. “So I roped in my mum, and some mates.”

Marching alongside the Kinetic team, led by Pride Committee Chair Kate Campbell and executive sponsor Mack Hanney, Ben said it was a great feeling. 

"At one point, we were all marching close together, then by Grey Street, we had spread out. But we caught up again, and it really felt like a team moment." 

“Hearing people say, ‘They must all be bus drivers’ made me smile—because that’s exactly what it’s about. We’re part of the community, and anyone can work here.”

Bringing his mum along was another highlight. “She’d never been to anything like this. It was an eye-opener for her, and she loved it.”

For Ben, the march was about more than just one day—it reinforced why he was proud to work at Kinetic.

“Visibility is important. I wear a rainbow lanyard and think it’s important to make people feel welcome. Asking people how their training is going and offering support when they join the company.”

Driving LGBTQI+ inclusion and allyship is a key sustainability priority for Kinetic. You can learn more about it here - www.wearekinetic.com/sustainability/lgbtqi-inclusion. 

Further enquiries

Barrett Gibson
Head of Marketing & Communications 
(+61) 424 647 488
barrett.gibson@wearekinetic.com