RAPPVILLE THANKS ETU MEMBERS FOR FUNDING BUS

intention to establish this Corporation. ETU SAYS: We look forward to Labor launching this key initiative which was jointly launched with the ETU during the election campaign.

Build Trains Here

PROMISE: The Coalition refused for 12 years to build transport locally. Labor pledged to build trains, trams and ferries here, starting with the next Tangara trains, creating 1,000 jobs.

PLAN: Since the election, Transport Minister Jo Haylen has publicly recommitted to the Tangara, promising procurement activity will begin in the Government’s first term.

ETU SAYS: Great news. This is a popular move that will deliver better transport and good jobs.

Donations from ETU members have funded a community bus that is helping the bushfire-ravaged community of Rappville get back on its feet. The northern NSW town lost 23 homes and two sawmills during the 2019-20 bushfires.

The community thanked ETU Secretary Allen Hicks and Northern NSW organiser Steve Magann for the $40,000 donation raised by ETU members in 2020 through the ETU National Bushfire Relief Fund. That money helped the Rappville Social Club purchase the community bus which was launched in May at a community celebration. The vehicle, which has disabled access, will be available for school activities and community events.

Dave Newby, President of the Rappville Social Club, said: ‘We really do appreciate the work of the ETU and the MUA. It’s bloody fantastic!’

Locals also thanked the Essential Energy workers who replaced more than 300 poles and other assets after the fires.

‘Unions at their heart are about working together for a better life. That’s exactly what the Rappville Social Club have done with this bus. We’re proud to be part of it,’ said Allen Hicks.

Steve Magann on behalf of the ETU accepted a Certificate of Thanks at the bus launch.