The Community Transport Organisation (CTO) Conference 2022 finally happened but the afterburn effect will last till we next meet. The theme ‘Resilience’ has certainly resonated with every community transport provider (CTP).
For the past two years, the CTO’s conference plans were re-scheduled due to Covid, and consideration to ensure clients’ health safety comes first. Come 25-26th October 2022, the town of Kiama welcomed many CTPs who jammed in for an action-packed couple of days.
It was nourishing to gather with many in our industry, a time to connect and re-connect, and network with our industry peers. We exchanged ideas and interacted with product sponsors who provide the latest in innovation and technology. There were many exceptional presentations, ranging from updates on industry reforms from the Department of Health and Aged Care to innovations, and the future of Community Transport in NSW.
Our opening guest speaker was Olympic Gold Medallist speed skater, Steven Bradbury, who gave an inspirational, funny story of his triumph over adversity, to become the first athlete from Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere to win a Winter Olympic gold medal. At times, it is not about being the fastest, but the most resilient! Our Operations Manager, Bryce, was called up to perform a challenge and was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of his book! It made Bryce’s day.
The conference finished on a high with the Gala Dinner celebrating excellence within our industry. Congratulations to all nominations and winners, the stories told of what CTPs provide to our communities were compelling and encourage all of us to give it all every time. Stryder was nominated as Community Transport of the Year. Unfortunately, we didn’t win this year…. Something to aim for next year!
A big thanks to Tara Russell, CEO and Team CTO for such a successful conference. We cannot wait for the 2023 Conference in Port Macquarie with the theme of ‘Illuminate’!
If you like more information on community transport in the Ryde Hunters Hill LGAs, click here: https://stryder.org.au/
You can find more information about other CTPs at https://transportnsw.info/operators
