Jo-Ann Fletcher from Tablelands Community Transport in Uralla has won one of eight industry scholarships that have been awarded to the community transport sector, which provides services for eligible seniors, pensioners and those who have limited access to public transport.
The scholarship is worth $3,400 each and are to provide professional development to people working for one of Transport for NSW’s contracted Community Transport Service Providers.
The scholarships are sponsored by Transport and the University of Sydney’s Institute of Logistical Studies (ITLS) and this year they have been awarded five outer metropolitan, rural and regional community transport professionals and three in Sydney.
The 2024 awardees are:
- Jo-Ann Fletcher from Tablelands Community Transport in Uralla
- Sharon Walsh from South West Community Transport in Sydney
- Leanne Costantino from Ryde Hunters Hill Community Transport in Sydney
- Alanna Gallagher from LiveBetter Community Services in Dubbo
- Matt Healey from Community Transport Central Coast
- Karen Orr from The Community Transport Company in Tweed Heads
- Bianca Padbury from Snowy Monaro Regional Council in Cooma
- Sarah Harwood from Holdsworth Community Transport in Sydney
As part of their scholarship, they will attend a four-day course in Sydney next month (16-19 July) and receive a Certificate of Transport Management which equips transport professionals to run more efficient, safe, and successful services.
Transport for NSW’s Director of Community Transport Amy McCann congratulated the scholarship recipients.
“It is wonderful to see these dedicated professionals in the community transport sector developing skills so they can better serve their clients, who are transport disadvantaged by factors such as age, mobility, health issues or location,” Ms McCAnn said.
“It is important to encourage leaders in the community transport sector so they can best deliver quality, reliable, affordable transport.
“Community transport is a vital service in our society, promoting social inclusion and wellbeing by providing specialised transport services to eligible customers to attend essential appointments and maintain social and cultural connections.”
Chair in Public Transport, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) at University of Sydney Business School, Professor John Nelson, said the scholarship will upskill participants through a sector leading course.
“The Certificate of Transport Management covers the fundamentals of management as well as the latest developments in the bus and coach industry including NSW Government Policy, mobility as a service, digital disruption, marketing and passenger relations and zero emission buses,” Prof Nelson said.
“Those working in community transport find it useful to learn about the issues faced by the public transport sector as a whole, while also contributing their own customer-focused expertise.”
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