First Nations Telegraph

Transdev has joined forces with Souths Cares in a two-year partnership to benefit southern and western Sydney communities and support the training, employment and wellbeing of local youth and First Nations peoples.

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The major partnership with Souths Cares, the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ independent charity, supports communities through capacity-building programs across health, employment and education to make a positive impact.

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The partnership includes championing community events and programs such as an Education and Wellbeing Expo held last week and  Souths Cares’ upcoming end-of-year NAIDOC celebration.

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Participants in Souths Cares’ programs will also be able to interact with Transdev in making important decisions about further education or employment opportunities whilst at school, as well as taking part in Transdev and Souths Cares events.

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Souths Cares CEO Alisha Parker-Elrez said everyone at Souths Cares was thrilled about this partnership.

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“We know it’ll make a difference to the lives of many participants in our existing and future programs,” Ms Parker-Elrez said.

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“We teamed up with Transdev because of their commitment to the community, not only locally but right across the country.

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“They’ve shown they’re genuine in providing opportunities and experiences for our program participants.

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“Transdev was front and centre at our Education and Wellbeing Expo and will help put smiles on people’s faces throughout the Christmas period at our Souths Cares NAIDOC end-of-year celebrations.

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“We’re all very excited to work with the team at Transdev over the next two years with a view to extending the partnership for years to come, providing positive outcomes for our community.”

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Transdev Australasia Chief Executive Luke Agati said Transdev was proud to partner in a holistic capacity building partnership.

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“This is about cultural respect, deepening relationships and supporting self-determination of First Nations Australian youth and their families,” Mr Agati said.

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“We move people every day on public transport right across Sydney and we also want to be a positive influence in those local communities that we serve.

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“This is a practical and meaningful step towards advancing reconciliation, whilst promoting sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our businesses.

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“This partnership will help support that journey on many fronts through mentoring, training and rewarding career pathways through our Transdev and Transdev John Holland depots and other on-site visits, talks and events.”

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Mr Agati said Transdev valued people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to boost creativity and enable better decision making, which is why this partnership would be a success.

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“Our overriding goal is do social and economic good in the communities in which we work, serve and learn.

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“It’s why we’re dedicated to progressing our commitments under our Reconciliation Action Plan as well as advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion aspirations.

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“We’re thrilled and honoured to partner with South Cares to co-create and deliver a range of programs and activities to increase heath, training and career prospects of many First Peoples of Australia.”