First Nations trainee bus driver program gains momentum in Townsville
• Kinetic launched ‘Moving the Mob’ on Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country (Townsville) in March and has received strong interest from the local community
• Nine people have already registered for the program and applications are still open to attend information sessions
• The First Nations trainee bus driver program provides pathways into the transport industry and has proven successful in Cairns
Townsville is set to see a wave of new bus drivers enter training as Kinetic’s pioneering Moving the Mob trainee driver program gains momentum.
Having launched the initiative locally in March alongside community partner the Garbutt Magpies, nine applications have already been received for the program which is aimed at attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the transport industry.
Moana Matthews, Kinetic’s Future Workforce Manager said the response from the community has been fantastic.
“We are excited to expand this important program in North Queensland as we know Moving the Mob creates genuine career opportunities for our local communities,” she said.
“With the program’s previous success in Cairns we were anticipating it would be well received and this is a phenomenal start.
“Information sessions are now happening to allow applicants to learn more about the program and those who move forward will commence training in coming weeks.
“It’s never too late to get involved and with the early success we have now seen in Cairns and Townsville we are excited at the prospect of a future national rollout into other parts of our business.”
Increasing First Nations representation in Kinetic’s workforce to exceed four per cent by 2030 is a key sustainability initiative from Australia’s largest bus operator.
Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for North Queensland Martin Hall said Moving the Mob is a key part of achieving this objective.
“Moving the Mob provides the opportunity for those with a current car licence to receive fully paid training while they complete a heavy vehicle licence along with mentoring and support as they become a bus driver,” he said.
“They will then go on to complete a Certificate III in Driving Operations which is a nationally recognised qualification.”
“It has been fantastic to see a large number of applications received in the first few weeks and I would encourage anybody considering a career change to get in touch.”
To find out more about Moving the Mob view the launch video here or register your interest at wearekinetic.com.au/apply
Kinetic is currently developing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), as part of an ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, stakeholders, and communities.
Further enquiries
Steve Cadzow
Manager, Media and Communication
0428 127 147
Steve.Cadzow@wearekinetic.com