Connect - 19 February 2021

Forging a strong link

The benefits of the Flinders Link Project are being realised as students return to Flinders University.

The new Flinders Link is a $141 million project, funded by the State and Federal governments, that extends the former Tonsley line to take in the Flinders medical and education precincts, including the new Tonsley and Flinders railway stations.

This has already proven an outstanding success, with a 10.9 per cent increase in validations over the previous 12 months since the line opened under an enhanced timetable. With patronage generally down as a result of COVID-19, this is an outstanding result which will soon be boosted by student activity.

A train travels over the Southern Expressway towards Flinders Station

Celebrating Indigenous trainees

Our 2020 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trainees celebrated their participation in the program this week.

Seven Trainees started with the Department in March 2020 and all have now completed the program while studying a Certificate III in Business. A presentation by Director of People and Capability Jane Fitzgerald was followed by a light lunch.

The program is an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification through TAFE SA as well as invaluable training and development. We wish all the trainees every success for their ongoing career aspirations.

Trainees, supervisors and guests at the celebration

Adding art to the walkway

Work on a mural at the base of the pedestrian and cyclist overpass at the Regency to Pym Street Project is taking shape after artist Sam Songailo was commissioned to create a vibrant, welcoming and distinctive place for the community to enjoy.

Sam’s concept design is inspired by community feedback and influenced by traditional textile designs and patterns from prominent local cultures. These designs are weaved into his signature style to create a mural that expresses vibrancy, optimism and openness.

We look forward to seeing the finished artwork as the R2P project continues at a cracking pace.

Green tape is used to mark out the pattern, ready for painting

Premier’s Excellence Awards

Nominations are now open for the Premier’s Excellence Awards, which shine a light on exemplary work by staff in the public sector.

An award presentation will be held on Tuesday 6 April for teams and individuals in the categories of ‘Excellence in Service Delivery’ and, ‘Demonstration of the South Australian Public Sector Values’.

In addition, ‘Excellence in Service Delivery’ will be expanded to include a new sub-category, ‘Emergency Response’, in recognition of the efforts of teams and individuals who responded to the 2019/2020 summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you know someone worthy of recognition in any of these areas, please submit their name to your Executive Director.

Bringing undergraduates together

Our 2020/2021 undergraduates recently had a great opportunity to meet and discuss their work and what they have been learning, through a Youth Connect workshop.

As this year’s program draws to a close, participants also heard from current staff who have completed the Undergraduate Program and the Graduate Program. There have been 12 Undergraduates working in a variety of areas across the Department this summer.

The 2020/2021 Undergraduate Program finishes next week and has been a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and experience while benefitting from fresh ideas and energy. We wish the participants all the best in their continued studies and professional endeavours.

Undergraduates at the Youth Connect workshop

Friday Flashback

Following a few days of substantial heat this week, today’s Friday Flashback is a timely reminder to be sun smart, as these beachgoers in the shade of the jetty at Brighton clearly were, way back in 1928. Definitely ahead of their time.

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