Sydney Ferries, proudly operated by Transdev, has become the first public transport operator in Australia to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag on all vessels.
The historic milestone, achieved in collaboration with Transport for NSW, was marked with a flag raising ceremony on the Evonne Goolagong RiverCat at Wharf 1, Barangaroo today.
Transdev Sydney Ferries Managing Director Loretta Lynch said all 42 Sydney ferries would fly the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian Red Ensign on the vessels.
“We’re doing this to encourage organisations to be more proactive in supporting their First Nations employees and the community,” Ms Lynch said.
Six per cent of the Sydney Ferries workforce identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders peoples, well above the national average of 2.2%.
“Flying the flag is a simple but powerful action and our Sydney Ferries team couldn’t be prouder.”
Transdev National Indigenous and Diversity Manager Sharon Stevenson said Transdev was proud of taking practical and meaningful step towards reconciliation.
“Transdev is dedicated to progressing our commitments under our Reconciliation Action Plan as well as advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion aspirations.”
Today’s launch was hosted by Ray Windle, Diversity & Inclusion Transdev Sydney Ferries was attended by Transdev, Transport for NSW and well-known actor Luke Carroll, a proud First Nations man from the Wiradjuri nation.
“Flying the Aboriginal flag on all Sydney vessels acknowledges and celebrates the world’s oldest living culture,” Mr Windle said.
“It promotes a sense of community and demonstrates our pride and respect of First Peoples of Australia”
The launch included a:
- Welcome to Country and traditional Smoking Ceremony
- Cultural dance performed by First Nations employees of Sydney Ferries
- Flag Raising Ceremony aboard the Evonne Goolagong
- A short cruise around the harbour, passing the Harbour Bridge and returning to Wharf 1.