As part of the South Coast of Victoria Local Jobs Program’s Talking Transport project, community members, employers, education providers, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations came together in Hamilton to explore how transport can better connect people to employment, education, training, healthcare and community life. Facilitated by Kelly Mason, CEO of Bounce Global, the Appreciative Inquiry workshop focused on identifying strengths and practical opportunities already existing within the Southern Grampians community.
Participants highlighted that transport is more than a service. It is a key enabler of workforce participation, independence and social connection. The discussions identified strong local foundations, including community buses, school transport networks, informal carpooling, employer-supported travel, active transport options and a strong culture of volunteering and problem-solving.
Rather than calling for entirely new systems, the workshop identified practical opportunities to improve coordination, better align transport services with work and training schedules, expand learner driver support, make greater use of existing fleet assets and trial flexible, demand-responsive transport options. A strong advocacy focus was improving access to daily return transport services between Hamilton and surrounding communities, ensuring residents in smaller and more remote townships can reliably access employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.
The conversation doesn’t end with the report.Talking Transport Hamilton Report
If you’re an employer, service provider, educator, community organisation or resident interested in improving access to jobs, training and essential services, we encourage you to get involved.
To learn more or join future discussions, contact Angela.Williams@localjobs.org.au.
