First Nations trainee bus driver program increasing job opportunities

• ‘Moving the Mob’ trainee bus driver program has been a success in its first 12 months
• Launched in North Queensland, the program will be rolled out in Melbourne in June
• The program is providing long-term career pathways for First Nations people

Australasia’s biggest bus operator, Kinetic, launched Moving the Mob, a pilot trainee bus driver program for First Nations people, on Gimuy country (Cairns) during last year’s National Reconciliation Week.

One year in, the program is having a positive impact and is set to expand to Melbourne (Naarm) in June.

Moana Matthews, Kinetic’s Future Workforce Manager said the program covers the cost of training for participants to get their bus licence and continue to attain a Certificate III in Driver Operations.

“We’ve had great success in training drivers in Cairns and Townsville and are expanding Moving the Mob nationally to provide more job opportunities,” Moana said.

“It’s really rewarding to see our Moving the Mob drivers operating buses across North Queensland.”

A proud Torres Strait Islander, Doug Rautoka-Bon, was part of the first intake in Cairns.

“As a bus driver, I love the being part of a team and working in the community,” Doug said.

“I am encouraging others in my family to become a bus driver, as I’d like more First Nations people to join the industry and represent our communities in the areas where we operate.”

Bindal Country (Townsville) participant, Eddie Smallwood, welcomed the training and support to get his bus licence.

“Having trainers and the help of other drivers was really good and I’m enjoying being out on the road interacting with passengers and learning routes with a mentor.”

Increasing First Nations representation in the workforce is a priority for Kinetic, which aims to have a workforce of at least four per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2030.

Along with the expansion to Melbourne and further intakes in North Queensland, Moana Matthews said the program will offer opportunities beyond bus driving.

“While bus drivers make up the majority of our workforce, we are keen to offer career pathways in other areas, such as maintenance, customer service and as network officers,” said Moana.

“As a program that was developed in consultation with community and employment organisations, we will continue to work with local mobs and other stakeholders as we expand to new regions and include more roles.”

For more information and to register visit www.wearekinetic.com.au/moving-the-mob.

National Reconciliation Week (May 27 - Jun 3) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Further enquiries

Steve Cadzow
Manager - Media & Communications 
0428 127 147
steve.cadzow@wearekinetic.com