Your GANGWAY newsletter June 2020 is here!

JUNE 2020

GANGWAY A message from Dean Hi All, It has been around three months since I took on the role as Acting Managing Director of Transdev Sydney Ferries, and I must say I am impressed with the hard work and passion of everyone working across the network, which was not undermined by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As public transport providers, it is our job to keep the city moving despite the uncertain times, and to always provide a safe travel to all our customers. We have taken many precautions to ensure safety on our services in the past months - we have increased sanitisation and disinfection of our vessels, introduced new physical distancing guidelines to protect our staff and customers, and our safety team and HSRs are constantly working to ensure safety in our working environments. Remember that all our latest updates can be found on myTransdev app, so be sure to check it regularly.

Despite the physical distancing rules and limitations, we are proud to have celebrated Reconciliation Week for the second year in a row, with a smoking ceremony held in Barangaroo. Thank you to all those involved on the day as well as worked behind the scenes to bring the event to life. It was great to come together and reflect on our roles as individuals and members of the society, and what each of us can do to build a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Check out some great photos from the Reconciliation Week event on Page 4!

Image Credit: Timothy Gruchot

Stay up-todate with the Transdev Employee App As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we want all employees to stay up-to-date with the latest information and advice through myTransdev employee app’s newly created COVID-19 channel.

Even though we continue to disseminate information via hard copies where possible, please consider the app as the single and live source of truth for updates from the company.

There is a lot of conflicting information out there and our teams work hard to select and relay information to you.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD? Search for mytransdev in the App Store or Google Play and download the app.

As you may be aware, June is Pride Month. I encourage you all to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ history, celebrate diversity and consider the ways we can all contribute towards creating a more inclusive society.

It may have been a while since you have seen your family and friends, and I hope you will now have the chance to spend time with them. It is important to look after yourself and your loved ones, as going back to a new lifestyle after lockdown can be challenging. Check out Page 2 for some tips that can help you readjust to your new life after lockdown.

Take care and stay safe,

NEED IT ASSISTANCE? FORGOT PASSWORD? Please contact Transdev’s IT Helpdesk on 1300 327 424 or email IT.HELPDESK@harbourcityferries.com.au

QUESTIONS? Please contact Hetaal Badiyani, Communications Manager on 0419 099 198 or email hetaal.badiyani@transdev.com.au

Dean Helm Acting Managing Director

GANGWAY – June 2020 | 1

Uncompromising Safety Social Distancing & Hygiene We have been dealing with and working under the cloud of COVID-19 for over 2 months, yet the THREE CRITICAL controls to reduce risk have not changed.

Everything else we do, whilst important, is useless if we do not continue to focus on these three major controls.

To protect yourself, your teammates and your families please remember that:

1.5m

Social Distancing prevents person to person transmission Think: Passengers, Wheelhouses, Meal Rooms, Wharves

Enhanced hygiene prevents secondary transmission

You MUST stay home if you are sick

Health and Wellbeing The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many different aspects of our lives, including our mental health. As restrictions start to ease after a long period of lockdown, it is normal to start having feelings of stress, uncertainty, and even anxiety when thinking about returning to a “normal” lifestyle. During this time, it is important to check on yourself and others around you for any changes in the way you are thinking or feeling, and seek extra help in case you need it. There are many great resources available that can help you keep things on track.

Easing back into life after lockdown Here are some useful tips by the Black Dog Institute to help you easing back into life after lockdown:

TAKE IT SLOWLY: simple things like doing the grocery shopping or driving might now feel strange, so consider seeking help if feelings of anxiety persist or worsen.

More information by Black Dog Institute: https://bit.ly/36PJ0EG

REBUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIPS: with the ease of physical distancing rules, spend time with family and friends processing the experience and rebuilding bonds.

Other resources you may find useful are:

SEEK HELP EARLY: everyone reacts differently to change. Difficulty in sleeping, changes to your appetite and anxiety may be signs that you need extra support.

REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE: the lockdown experience could help you develop new positive habits, so make a list and start implementing them one by one.

REMEMBER THE ADVICE: wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance and keep up with the rules as they change.

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Australian Government mental health initiative: www.headtohealth.gov.au Benestar: our Employee Assistance Program is available to all TDSF employees and their families. Call Benestar for a confidential discussion on 1300 360 364 or visit www.benestar.com

FROM THE SHIPYA

RD Hydrofoil Manly The trial of the On Demand ferry was placed on hold in April after six months of operation, and will be relaunched later in the year. The decision was made to remove MeMel - a 12 meter, 43 seat Minicat - from the water and place her on the hard stand at Balmain Shipyard where she is holding pride of place until her return to service.

The last time the hard stand was used for storing vessels was for a Hydrofoil in 1964.

Sometime in November 1964 the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company took delivery of its first hydrofoil which was later named “Manly”. This craft was a model PT-20, was 18.59 metres long, powered by a single Mercedes Benz 12V493 marine diesel engine outputting 1,350HP @ 1500RPM driving through a reduction gearbox and single shaft line and propeller with a crew of 3 and carried 72 passengers. The accompanying photo shows it “docked” at the Balmain Shipyard. This craft had been acquired from Hitachi Heavy Industries, Yokohama, Japan for the cost of £128,000. After launching and during trials on Sydney’s Port Jackson it reached speeds of 40 knots. After commissioning “Manly” entered commuter service on 2 January 1965 running two morning and two afternoon peak hour services between Sydney’s Circular Quay and Manly with a journey time of 15 - 17 minutes in each direction compared to 35 minutes for the 7 nautical mile journey traveling at about 32 knots. Manly operated until 30 November 1978. In 1979 sold to Great Keppel Island and renamed “Enterprise”.

Article credits: Mat Savage & David Samuelsdorff, Historical Photo credit to JRW (Bill) Allan

Golden Grove Life Extension Golden Grove was first constructed in Carrington 1985, named after the Golden Grove of the 1787 First Fleet.

On 24 October, Golden Grove officially departed Balmain Shipyard for her life extension at Birdon Marine located at Port Macquarie. There was a vessel improvement list that was consulted and agreed with both Operational staff and BSY staff. This consultation led to items that required scope alteration and approvals from TDSF and TfNSW. This process allowed our frontline staff to become a part of the future First Fleet.

TDSF has recognised the importance of getting the scope right to create a fleet that was aligned to the heritage and integrity of the First Fleet class whilst extending the life of the fleet to an impressive 50-year life span.

The scope created was also aligned to reducing the environmental footprint associated to our fleet, early data from trials and deliveries show a significant reduction in fuel consumption, this was achieved via weight reduction, main engine, generator change and hull surface finish.

TDSF’s team efforts in management of the life extension project resulted in a timely turnover of the Golden Grove, now being ready for deployment despite challenging hurdles with last year’s bushfires and COVID-19.

TDSF has upgraded all safety equipment to align with National Standard for Commercial Vessels and offer the highest level of safety standards along with navigational aids that represent the latest technology.

New air conditioners were installed to assist with cabin temperature regulation for improved customer comfort. The new interior design was created with a customer focus in mind, it is also Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliant and aligned with accessibility of all user groups.

By April, much of the work on the Golden Grove neared completion. The TDSF vessel sea trial was on 14 May and the vessel departed Port Macquarie on 15 April. The Golden Grove is expected to return to ferry operations in June 2020.

We hope that this project brings a new level of customer experience to a fleet that is aligned with Sydney’s history.

Article credits: Clarissa Cheong, Darryl Balks and Adam Moore

GANGWAY – June 2020 | 3

People and Culture

National Reconciliation Week 2020 Our theme for #NRW2020 – In this together – is now resonating in ways we could not have foreseen, but it reminds us whether in a crisis or in reconciliation we are all #InThisTogether.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can continue to strive together towards a more just, equitable nation by championing unity and mutual respect as we come together and connect with one another.

On Wednesday 27 May, we held a smoking ceremony in conjunction with a flag raising ceremony and all vessels flew the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island flags.

Welcome to our New Starters!

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Clarissa Cheong Engineering Graduate

Chantelle Mullan Ship Repair Assistant

Hamish Borland Tradesperson Electrician

Makalita Solo Authorised Officer

Tyson Want Authorised Officer

Kate Troia Authorised Officer

Karina Thakur Authorised Officer

Patricia Troulis Stores Controller

Ops Update Ops Update Craig Rick, GM Operations

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

As we begin to come out of lockdown, I would like to take this opportunity recognise the efforts of the Operations HSRs who have worked closely and collaboratively with management to support work colleagues during these difficult times.

We are now seeing more people out and about with peak hour travellers, including school children, slowly returning to ferry travel. Our vessel crew have adapted well to the new vessel capacity restrictions and are communicating to customers the importance of us ensuring school children are our priority at key times.

We are starting to be supported by Marshalls provided by TfNSW at identified pinch points.

With the easing of restrictions, we are starting to see COVID-19 capacities exceeded on the River and on the Manly run, with passengers left behind as a result. We have reached out to the TfNSW Marshalls and look forward to them providing assistance with this issue.

HSRs had previously marked our vessels with distinctive tape to ensure we always had a safe space for staff, with a 1.5 metre route between gangways and either the wheelhouse of a dedicated crew only safe zone.

Thanks again HSRs, you have been great over the past couple of months. I encourage all staff to communicate with your workgroup HSR to get the latest COVID-19 updates or to put forward your own ideas/suggestions to ensure we continue to make our workplace as safe as we can for all.

Thanks, Craig Rieck

30

years of service Congratulations and many thanks for your service!

Brett Thomas

Darren Nicholson

John Wiblen

GANGWAY – June 2020 | 5

Customer Experience and Communications Update We are implementing a number of new communication channels to provide better employee communication within TDSF and to make sure you are always up-to-date with our latest news!

Our Digital Communication screens are up and running!

As you might have noticed, our Digital Communication screens are up and running in all our offices! Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Balmain Shipyard have all been fitted with screens that will keep you updated on what’s happening within TDSF, including our upcoming events and initiatives. Be sure to check it out!

Well done to the team for living up to our Customer at the Heart philosophy!

Well Done F3 Parramatta River Service Evonne Goolagong crew!

Have you checked out the revamped MyTransdev app yet?

As our business grows and changes, we want to make sure our app reflects our current needs, that is why we have revamped our myTransdev app to offer you a more user-friendly platform?

The new revamped app was created following your thoughts and suggestions, and it aims at providing you with an easier and faster tool to access all the information you need.

The revamped version will feature only 4 channels (plus the temporary COVID-19 channel). Other changes include all relevant content grouped together in just three folders. The Pages you need and use the most are still available.

If you are looking for something and feeling a bit lost, just search for “revamped myTransdev app” in the search bar and click on the first post. In that article you will find a detail description of each section that will help you find what you are looking for! Be sure to check out the new and improved myTransdev app!

In the new structure, there will be four channels (plus the temporary COVID-19 Updates channel): 1. News: Company news, messages from your MD and GMs, and much more.

2. Notice Board: Job ads, upcoming initiatives and events!

3. Ops Update: Updates related to Operations.

4. Team Share: A space dedicated just for you to share photos, stories, and news with all your colleagues.

What’s on this month?

At Transdev Sydney Ferries, we value and celebrate this Pride month with all our the LGBTQIA+ employees, customers, and the wider communities we serve. We truly believe we are Stronger Together, combining our skills, experience, and backgrounds.

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Check out the new myTransdev app structure!

The pages you need and use the most will still be here.

• Rosters • Daily Operations Documents • Toolbox Talks • Ferry Performance All the other relevant content is grouped in just three folders: 1. Working at TDSF: • People & Culture – TDSF Policies and Procedures – TDA Policies • Your Wellbeing Package – Employee Assistance Program,Benestar – Manual Handling Videos – Current Health and Wellbeing initiatives 2. Forms: every form you need is included in this folder.

• • • • •

Operations Personal Leave Request Form Safety Reporting Form Toolbox Talk completion Forms Feedback Form Balmain Shipyard

3. Blueflow

“The crew of the Evonne Goolagong have made us all smile and feel secure and safe on board their ferry. The Captain made an effort to greet us with a smile and a joke and mentioned how beautiful the world still is. They ensured the social distancing rules were followed professionally. I communicate with number of regular passengers who need these services to continue to get to our workplaces and we all tell similar stories. We all really need these services not just for travel but our sanity too. Thank you Sydney Ferry Staff for your professional, safe and honest work. We all appreciate it.”

Compliments for Team Sydney Ferries “We would just like to thank the captain, the crew and the wharf staff for their friendly attitude and going out of their way to make our trip very pleasant.

Well done! Lovely example of customer service.”

Well done Michael Westcott!

“Hi, want to give a shout out to the Deckhand on the 2125 Neutral Bay service. There was an issue with the wharf at Kirribilli but he was helpful, well-informed and professional in his conduct and went out of his way to make sure suitable arrangements were made for us. He left a really good impression and is obviously dedicated to the job. Please pass some sort of compliment on to him.”

minutes with… Clarissa Cheong Tell us about your job: Position: Graduate Asset Maintenance Engineer Working directly under Adam Moore, I assist in most of the project management in regard to the TDSF fleet. My main focus is however working alongside my tailored Graduate Program to grow my technical skills in innovation and engineering design, as well as soft skills in leadership.

Tell us a bit about yourself: Hi, my name is Clarissa and I am a fresh Mechanical Engineering grad from UNSW. I have been working within the Assets team in TDSF since March earlier this year. I am extremely passionate about making the world a better place though sustainability and innovations. I also have a Pomeranian called Yuki, she is a very good girl.

What’s your favourite book?

The most recent great book I’ve read was “We Were Liars”. Read it!

What’s your favourite travel spot?

I love traveling to Japan! I’ve been there four times so far, still looking to go back to explore more of Hokkaido and Okinawa.

What’s your favourite pastime?

Playing sports with my friends, badminton and basketball are my specialties.

Any random facts you want to share with us?

I enjoy going to the arcade with my close friends and playing on the dance machine.

I also like going fishing with my Dad. Do you have an office nickname?

Haha, no not yet.

What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

Food and my dog, Yuki.

What is the best thing about working for Transdev Sydney Ferries?

The best thing about working at TDSF is working with the ferries and being able to work on the water occasionally. Not many people get to work in this industry within Sydney.

Want to be featured? Send an email to: tdsfcommunications@transdev.com.au

Our On Demand Ferry Journey The On Demand ferry trial was suspended in April after six months of operation since Me-Mel’s first trip around the Bays Precinct, on 14 October 2019.

Being the first trial of its kind in Australia, the On Demand ferry journey has been one full of new experiences and learning, but most importantly it’s been rewarding for everyone involved to work on such an innovative project and for it to be so well received by our customers.

Over the course of the trial, we had more than 15,500 trips taken on Me-Mel, with excellent feedback from customers since the start. In a survey conducted amongst users in January 2020, 97% of them said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the On Demand ferry service and 99% of them were supportive of the service continuing.

Following the feedback from our customers, we also worked together with Transport for NSW to implement improvement to the service, such as fare reduction and the introduction of Opal Connect, to provide an easier and more convenient journey for our customers.

The On Demand ferry trial also gave TDSF the chance to offer great opportunities to the crew, one of which is career progression. Working on Me-Mel has provided a number of staff with command time and crew management experience which will put them in a good position to move to our internship vessels in the future.

Moreover, the On Demand ferry trial has seen TDSF first ever all-female crew, a fantastic achievement which we are all very proud of! And finally, a huge shout out to the Me-Mel crew, who worked hard to provide excellent service (to the point of scoring a whopping 100% from mystery travellers!) and making memories along the way.

“My time on the Me-Mel was fantastic, I loved every minute on there. The group that was picked to go on were amazing and the Blackwattle bay community really got behind the service. We had everyday regulars who relied on us to get them from A to B, we became friends with them. It was like a little family; it wasn’t like public transport it was like a little community boat that we all loved.”

Jennifer Windle, GPH “It was fantastic to be picked as part of the On Demand Ferry Team.

I can’t wait for the service to start up again later in the year.”

Julie Maley, GPH/Intern Ferry Master It has been a long and exciting journey. A massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in the On Demand ferry trial and has helped making it a success. We are very excited to have a chance to continue this trial and cannot wait to get back on board.

GANGWAY – June 2020 | 7

Spotlight on Tayden Armstrong “I got a life changing opportunity through the Work Inspiration Program.”

Learn more about how the Work Inspiration Program experience shaped Tayden Armstrong’s professional journey at Transdev Sydney Ferries.

Tell us about your background and how did you come across the Work Inspiration Program?

My name is Tayden Armstrong and I am 18.

I am Samoan, Australian.

I learnt about Transdev’s Work Inspiration Program in partnership with The Smith Family through my career advisor, Mrs Kaur at Miller Technology School.

On learning that the workshop was offering students a three-day experience to the ‘world of work’, meet Transdev Sydney Ferries employees, hear about their career journeys in the maritime industry, as well as career pathways at Transdev Sydney Ferries, I was drawn towards gaining this insightful experience and applied for it.

I am grateful that I got an opportunity to be a part of this program twice – both in Year 11 and 12.

Tell us about your Work Inspiration workshop experience…

The experience was amazing! The three-day workshop was packed with valuable structured activities for us to explore, and included us (students) to open up about our passions and interests, as well as information on the structure of TDSF, job roles and the chance to quiz TDSF Work Inspiration mentors on their career journeys from the time they were the same age as us.

The experience that thrilled me the most was hands-on opportunity. I got to drive a first fleeter, learn how to throw a line at a bollard, and got taught how to splice. The trip on the beautiful Sydney Harbour made me realise that this has got to be the best office in the world!

The first year’s experience was so engaging and inspirational that I applied again to be a part of it the following year and luckily enough I got accepted to the program once again.

Special mentions?

I am extremely thankful to Robert Marangon, Sally Brickwell, Gus Taylor, Steven Shears, Dean Helm, Brendan Mills, Kristy Malcolm, Julie Maley, Rachel Erbacher, Lindsay Olsson and the Balmain team for sharing their inspirational and enriching experiences that helped me decide my career path.

Customer Shares @ Instagram

Tell us about how the Work Inspiration workshop opened up career opportunities for you at Transdev Sydney Ferries…

It was the Maritime Traineeship that gave me the unique opportunity to gain exposure to the maritime industry.

I was unsuccessful when I first applied for the maritime traineeship in 2018 but I got through when I reapplied in 2019.

Walk us through your journey at Transdev Sydney Ferries…

I started as a trainee and even passed my maritime pre c certificate, however could not continue my traineeship due to medical reasons and was very devastated. I can’t thank Rob Marangon, Trent Miller, Liam Burke, and Stacey Katarzis enough for encouraging me while I had to adapt with the changes at work as I was moved to Jetty 3 Office.

I remained positive all through and then a couple of months down the line, a position as a fulltime Storeperson opened up at the yard and I applied for it. I was overjoyed on learning that I was successful in securing that position and that I will continue working at Transdev Sydney Ferries.

We have heard you even got your forklift licence. Tell us more about what motivated you to get it…

I got my forklift licence a few days after I started at the Balmain shipyard. I guess it was self-motivation but also my boss/mentor, Chris Pejoski, who encouraged and explained how this could help me and how I would be out and about on the forklift.

What have you learned in your time here so far that you think will stay with you?

I’d have to say, the love for job and respect for workmates that people have here at the ferries is contagious. I’d like to thank everyone that I have interacted with at TDSF for always motivating and encouraging me. It’s because of each one of you that I am here following my passion.

If you had not been at the ferries with us, what career would you have pursued?

I’d say, I’d be a firefighter. It was always my passion to go out and save lives and to help those in need.

share?

Hello, World!

Congratulations Anna Karpierz, People & Culture Advisor, for her baby boy, Liam Maxwell!

Congratulations Melody Peng, Business Analyst, for her baby girl Jasmine!

Have something amazing to We’d love to Hear From You! Please email us: tdsfcommunications@transdev.com.au 8 | GANGWAY – June 2020

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