This week TAFE NSW, Transport for NSW and the Department of Premier and Cabinet launched a new transport service for Macksville TAFE students.
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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 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 students who are completing a Certificate II in Printmaking to market.
Local 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 art students with the opportunity to show off their artistic talents around the Nambucca Valley region," she said.
"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."
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.