This week TAFE NSW, Transport for NSW and the Department of Premier and Cabinet launched a new transport service for students.

The 42 seater bus, named Yilaami, has been donated by Transport for NSW to transfer students to and from TAFE NSW Macksville to excursions and off-site classes. The full name of the bus, Ngiyaa Yilaami Duguula means, in Gumbaynggirr language, ‘We all come here together’.

An event was held on Wednesday to launch the bus and included a smoking and water ceremony, Indigenous dancers from Macksville Public School, a display of works by TAFE NSW art students, a bus ride around the area and speeches from TAFE NSW and Transport for NSW representatives.

Artwork will feature all over the bus, created by TAFE NSW students who are completing a Certificate II in Printmaking to market. The artworks were on display at the event.

Student Karen Runchel will be making use of the bus for transport to and from excursions and classes off-site. Karen is also lucky enough to be one of the students whose artwork is featured on the bus.

“This is a great thing for TAFE NSW Macksville. Not only providing students with a mode of safe, reliable and free transport to and from TAFE NSW Macksville, it was also providing TAFE NSW art students with the opportunity to show off their artistic talents around the Nambucca Valley region.”

“The bus will remove restrictions for a lot of students. Public transport doesn’t always coincide with class times and this bus is making education more accessible for locals who don’t drive as there is no need to rely on public transport or family to get to class” said Karen.

Susie George, TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, says the collaboration between TAFE NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Transport for NSW has enabled real outcomes in terms of access and equity for our whole community and reinforced the importance of collaborations in solving community issues.

“This a fantastic opportunity for TAFE NSW Macksville students to experience more than classroom learning as part of their training. They will be able to visit workplaces in and out of the Nambucca Valley, use facilities out of community for training and visit a variety of exciting venues to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world of work. We are also excited for the Yilaami bus to be out there representing TAFE NSW Macksville to the community and reminding them of the excellent opportunities that TAFE NSW training presents.”

Transport for NSW donated the bus through the Second Life initiative which provides retired buses to support communities in need. The Second Life project looks at assets owned by the NSW Government, such as trains, buses, and accommodation, seeking better ways to use them, for social good.

Graham Bradshaw, Director of Strategic Projects at Transport for NSW said the Second Life initiative was ensuring that Transport assets that would otherwise have been disposed of are now helping the community in new ways.

"The NSW Government and Transport for NSW is really pleased to provide this former State Transit bus and watch it enter its ‘Second Life’ for the benefit of students at TAFE NSW Macksville," Mr Bradshaw said.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.