In focus | nsw bus rally

BUS BUSINESSES RALLY NSW PARLIAMENT

More than 50 family owned and independent buses circled NSW state parliament recently in a rally to highlight their pandemic-induced plight and lobby for a government rescue package.

Held on September 16, Australian Family Owned Bus Companies group spokesman Rod Williams, who owns

Near or Far Bus & Coach in the Blue

Mountains, says he was pleased with the turnout and show of solidarity from companies from Sydney and the surrounding area, as well as places as far afield as Canberra, Newcastle and

Kempsey.

“It’s a phenomenal effort,” Williams said. “There’s obviously a lot of pain out there.”

Arranged to police requirements, the convoy of 53 vehicles was a peaceful demonstration representing regional and city bus operators, their staff and service providers, with buses tooting horns past Parliament House, organisers explain.

“We’re not out to cause trouble. We’re doing things right. All we’ve done is ask for help.”

Dozens of family owned and independent buses are on the brink of collapse, thousands of drivers could lose their jobs and ‘mum and dad’ operators stand to lose their homes as an impact of Covid-19 restrictions, the group states.

While smaller bus companies were grateful for government help such as JobKeeper and did not begrudge the success of large companies – which are needed to maintain the industry – organisers say many aspects of the industry had been overlooked and they needed help with: • costs – depot rent, tolls, and vehicle registration, insurance and fuel • work – fair share of government transport jobs for work such as hotel quarantine transfers and rail replacement transport • stimulus package to remain viable and employ staff.

Under the banner Australian Family Owned Bus Companies, rally organisers would like to drive the lobby to federal parliament in Canberra to support intra- and inter-state colleagues at a date to be announced.

Stay tuned...

It’s a phenomenal effort. There’s obviously a lot of pain out there.

Opposite:

Under the banner Australian Family Owned Bus Companies, rally organisers would like to drive the lobby to federal parliament in Canberra; Dozens of family owned and independent buses are on the brink of collapse due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Above:

The rally brought together more than 50 family owned and independent buses.

Left:

There were calls for help with costs, allocation of work and a stimulus package.

BUSINESS EVENTS – WHY DO WE DO IT?

The 2021 Brisbane Truck Show is like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel

Amidst the madness of 2020, sometimes it is diffi cult to know if we are heading in the right direction; at times it feels like the pace of things is slowing down to a cautious crawl at the expense of our businesses, our economy and maybe even our sanity.

Then, that speck of light in the distance provides us with everything we need to pick up our pace again and start heading forward, with the surety that everything is going to be alright.

Naturally there have been some nerves about whether everything will be good to go by 2021. Well, fi ve months into 2021 actually: the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show will run from May 13 to 16.

But, there are some actions that have added to the level of confi dence that everyone needs. Try Brisbane hosting the AFL Grand Final for starters and looking at a capacity of 30,000.

Add to that the Australian government’s stimulus to restart Australia’s business events sector. Its announcement includes a whole range of support for exhibitors to attend and build their displays.

What does that mean for you as an attendee? It means all the pieces are falling into place to ensure that your expectations of the Brisbane Truck Show you know and love will all be met, and typically exceeded.

It means the exhibitors are given the assurance they need to invest in bringing their full array of products, displayed with the fl air that you have become accustomed to.

The deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development Michael McCormack hit the mark when he said the government’s grant program would provide opportunities and encourage businesses from regional Australia to attend events in their own backyard.

“Making it less expensive and easier for regional businesses to attend events in Australia will present new opportunities to connect with and secure new customers,” the deputy prime minister said.

It goes both ways – it is equally a great opportunity for you to connect with your suppliers - and with your mates of course. We bet there’s plenty of them you’re looking forward to seeing again soon.

The social side of the event keeps getting bigger as many who enjoyed the South Bank activations at the last show can testify.

Rest assured, the hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs of South Bank are all looking forward to welcoming you back.

NATIONAL APPRENTICE CHALLENGE

The call for apprentices from around the country is out now. The opportunity to compete in the National Apprentice Challenge, with selected teams taking on

It is equally a great opportunity for you to connect with your suppliers.

the best-of-the-best from all over the country, has been raised another notch.

The prizes are hugely attractive for a young person on the tools, what with a fully hosted trip to the V8 Supercars up for grabs, with full corporate treatment, pit lane tours and a whole lot more.

Now, there is the added pressure of performing under the spotlight. The apprentice challenge is moving from the loading bays at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) into South Bank Piazza. The set-up at BCEC was great, but this is like going from kick around at the park to the MCG in one fell swoop. Or in this year’s case – the Gabba.

Find out all about everything that is going on at www. brisbanetruckshow.com.au

Above:

The National Apprentice Challenge is making the big move to the South Bank Piazza in 2021.