Kinetic brings innovative First Nations trainee bus driver program to Townsville

• Kinetic has joined long-term community partner the Garbutt Magpies to launch ‘Moving the Mob’ on Bindal Country (Townsville)
  
  
• The program is a First Nations bus driver training initiative that launched on Gimuy Country (Cairns) in 2023 and has proven highly successful
  
  
• It provides genuine career pathways to local communities and its expansion in Tropical North Queensland is a significant step towards a future nation-wide rollout

In 2023 Kinetic launched its Moving the Mob trainee bus driver program in Cairns with the aim of creating genuine career pathways for the local community.

Less than 12 months later its immediate impact has seen the program expand across Tropical North Queensland with Kinetic’s long-term community partner the Garbutt Magpies supporting its launch in Townsville.

Moana Matthews, Kinetic’s Future Workforce Manager said Moving the Mob is all about creating employment opportunities for local mob.

“We have seen positive outcomes in Cairns with a number of qualified drivers graduating the program and now proudly working in their communities as bus drivers,” she said.

“One of the first graduates has gone on to gain experience working as an operations controller and is also in the process of gaining a Certificate 3 qualification in Driving Operations.

“After successful launches both here and in Cairns we are now really excited for a future roll out nationally.”

Randall Ross from the Garbutt Magpies said when we look at career pathways, we mainly focus on our young ones, but we have to look at it holistically, how do we help the families.

“Many of our families are headed by single household mums and they want a job as well, so we need to look after them,” he said.

“They will become role models for future women in this community and this has been one of the most successful programs so far.”

Increasing First Nations representation in the workforce is a core sustainability priority for Kinetic, aiming to exceed four per cent by 2030. The company is also targeting gender balance (50 per cent women) by 2030.

Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for North Queensland Martin Hall said Moving the Mob is particularly aimed at women and provides a fully funded step to become professional bus drivers.

“In five weeks, it takes you from a car licence up to a bus licence, and you will then be coached and supported throughout a career that can take you anywhere in the world.”

Watch the video above to find out more about Moving the Mob and the Townsville launch or click here to register your interest in the inaugural Townsville program.

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 & Communications (Northern)
0428 127 147
stevec@wearekinetic.com