Our Mission Is Our Passion

As Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs we really haven't made a mission,vision statement, motto and proceeded to push forward any of these.

So I may place my thoughts forward:

Vision- To represent the Mount Druitt Community, ensuring that bus services are provided and maintained whilst promoting the benefits of public transport buses for the future.

Mission- To reach our vision and work with the community and transport Stakeholders to ensure essential vital services are continuous, ensuring safety to drivers and community are adhered.

Motto- We will ensure buses are always moving forward around Mount Druitt!!!!


I leave future comments for yourselves

We Have Been Invited To Attend And Speak At The Blacktown Transport Forum in October 2010

Debbie, has advised us we have been advised that there is an invitation to 1 or 2 of us from our Group to be represented in the Blacktown Transport Forum where it appears the residents of Blacktown may not be able to attend.

Firstly, on behalf of our group I would like to that the members of Blacktown Council - who have listened and understand we are a bus lobby group for the community. Secondly, it shows what we have been doing is being recognised as a strong representation and voice for the Mount Druitt Community.

We also have been asked to do a speech - what on we are not sure and will find out what the agenda is as well. We are working for a better bus services community for Mount Druitt.

When Will Mt Druitt, Penrith & Lower Blue Mountains Get A T-Way

You ask yourself what is a T-Way? To answer your question properly it is a specially made roadway constructed for transit buses to go through residential areas, educational facilities and industrial areas.

If you look up the Transport Sydney buses website:

http://www.sydneybuses.info/western-sydney-buses.htm


Although known as LPT - there is an existing transit between Liverpool and Parramatta - since 2003 and is still running. buses are run by Hillsbus and Busways and when looking closely at timetables initial starts in morning are half an hour service to 12-15 minutes service peak times during the day. under an hour per trip. If this is so successful why not NSW Transport and The NSW Government look at studies to implement other Transit bus services in the outer Western Sydney like from Parramatta , Blacktown , Mount Druitt to Penrith and inclusive of to Bankstown, Castle Hill and Campbelltown.

This could be promoted as a wonderful to travel without worrying about driving ( as a commuter) the T-way Ten ticket is not a weekly ticket it is a ten trip ticket, so cost effective for the commuter if you are not a constant weekly user. Trips can be spaced out and since all buses would lead to Parramatta- in case commuters want to interconnect with another transit service buses would all leave at same time allowing for proper time for commuter transfer.

Steering Committee of Western Sydney Public Trabsport Users Group

I am honored to provide my services and voluntary time to be part of an exciting lobby group representing the Western Sydney Communities.

Thanks to Amy and Hugh for selecting and promoting myself to the Steering Committee of the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group. I understand that our group branding is not recognised within Western Sydney as much as I feel it should be - but for the time it has been around it has done very well.

I feel we, as a steering committee will be drive public transport to where it should be going, by community interest groups feedback, increase public interest in these groups. Looking at recommendations provided from the policy committee of the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group and make it become a vital and important voice for enhancing, improving public transport. I would like to see a goal of promoting public transport as opposed to private transport use for every day continual use. By doing this, there would be many financial advantages to the individual commuter and environment improvement as less polluted vehicles will be driving around as well as the sue of petrol. by the Private car divers.

We need to let the wider community know we are there to better public transport and ensure that any reviews to transport around Western Sydney may be referred to the 'WSPTUG'. We will need to to ensure politicians and transport bureaucrats refer to us before drastic decisions are made otherwise lobby groups will be there to prevent loss of services as long as it is essential and there is a reasonable demand for it, not leaving community members disjointed.

I also think we need to get out to the communities, to get feed back or enhance the website so that online surveys can be completed on any transport issues, reporting back to the NSW government and all Western Sydney state politicians.

I will find this role an exciting role for myself, especially proud of representing the wonderful people of Mount Druitt. I'm not in this for myself I'm in this for the Western Sydney community members.

Another Bus Driver Bashed In Baulkham Hills - TWU

Today, I located a story from the Transport Workers Union news website tonight, that made me feel distraught. I don't know the bus driver but I feel I should - although is not in this area - I feel like a brother in arms wanted to heel the wounds cause by an upset person.

Here is the website to read the story, the TWU calls it a serious public safety crisis. For the sake of public safety and that of drivers, this must be fixed now! What they are talking about is to provide security screens or guards on a 100 remaining private buses, let hope this is done immediately to prevent further safety crisis.

http://www.twunsw.org.au/twu_news/Violent_bashing_of_bus_driver_last_straw_in _Sydney_bus_attack_crisis.shtml

These seem to be a regular part of life for one more bus drivers - who are probably poorly paid & can cause issues in the long run to recruit bus drivers to drive in public.

We're Getting More Ideas To Assist Rock Throwers to Not Rock-Throw

At the Bidwill festival, last weekend. one community lady advised us of a suggestion that there should always be undercover police officers siting close to the bus drivers on every trip.

Again great idea that I would like implemented - as this will stop threats and potential violence to drivers or other passengers. If we look at affordability many decades ago the New South Wales government was paying for ticket conductors on buses - they weren't security guards - they made sure commuters got buses or trams - they ensured people were paying fares and some of them even made the public happy with morning laughs and 'Good evening' evenings.

The other idea if group our group idol Joan - a national/state advertising campaign to deter rock throwing through all forms of media: radio, television and the the press. Well campaigned - this would be well money spent!

Again, this is a great idea , yet it would need great financial support to make it! At least these are ideas that have meanings and are educational. If the parents of the children had rocks thrown on them and were hurt - how would they feel!

Back in my young days I remember being spoilt by a conductress 'Aunty Joan" as she was 'Aunty Joan' to everyone. When she knew I was getting the double-decker bus - that was open ended - she always had a piece of fresh fruit for me - I had to eat to keep healthy. Well at least I have been eating and keep that part of it!

A Confessed Private Car Driver Converted To Public Buses!

This evening there was a man that hopped on the 755 bus and said, 'This is the first time I ever got a bus and I have never realised that is cheaper than a driving a privately used car!'

Obviously he was excited and the thought went into my mind 'A converted public transport user' this is unheard of , this is great news! How many more transport users can we convert from private car users to public transport users - though the end result maybe a cheaper long term cost to the community. This keeps more public transport running.

Bidwill Festival Was Fair

We have a small win for us again at Bidwill were bus commuters had completed a survey that we will be presenting the outcome of these surveys at the Blacktown Transport Forum on 26/10/10. In fact I was asked to give a 2 minute speech regarding our group while Shane assist me showing the leaflets and brochures we have.

In saying this I not that our Mayor of Blacktown City Council, (although he remains very quiet with us) shares the same point or two than me on rock throwing issues - except for a few of them - that is he says it is hard getting the message across to the young on not doing the rock throwing and we both agree it is an educational program that needs to be directed to the children, and their parnets and/or guardians. This is where our views drift off, after this

I believe if we have something like a community safety meeting then if we can teach one parent and or even one child not to rock throw - we have won - this one or two will talk to others around the community and then 'word of mouth moves on and on'.

Maybe I am new to this but I fell I have something more to pay back to the community, a time of hearing and listening and then working things out for the better of the community. Let's give the community a chance as we don't want our essential bus services taken away because of this!

Charlie, I respect as an elder in politics.he has been there - he has done that - but we need the community to be there and do that and that is where the community's strength are! A lot of community people are talking about rock throwing, a lot of people I have spoken too have been affected - their lives changes but do the rock throwers lives change!

Here We Go - Another Delay For the Bus Drivers

Tonight, I was informed by a Westbus driver in relation future rock throwing incidents that cause any damage or harm to the bus or any commuters - the bus driver has to go directly to the nearest police station and complete and provide a report to the Police Station.

This now raises a couple of issues that I can think of one is that it will cause total disruption to the rest of the bus service and fore mostly The Police ( who are there to protect all members come of the community) will not come to where the incident is caused. What type off society are we coming too when police will not be able to attend rock throwing incidents for investigation so that the perpetrators are caught and the end punishment will fit the crime. So that the crime will not be done by this individual or another individuals.

A Bus Song In UK For Us!

Wayne, one of our young brilliant group members has provided a bus song which I believe could be a hit here: It is on you tube - All I can say is Enjoy it!

Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjTZvk2j6m0&feature=related

A Suggestion That I will Push For!

As a member of Western Sydney Transport Users Group Steering Committee - I am going to push for a two way radio communication between Mount Druitt train station to the Bus drivers or Bus operaters in relation to train entry times and bus leaving times.

All I have heard from bus drivers all the time is it will never be done! well I'm here to have it done. We want better bus and train services and that means better connected bus services. There has to be a time allowed for commuters to leave the train once reaching a platform head to catch their connecting buses - how many times do i hear that buses leave/depart and leave passengers behind. Anyone who walks leisurely may not get there in time. Anyone who runs like a marathon runner will get there with ease and running out of breath!

Ever since I have been catching connecting public transport in and around Mount Druitt
- this was and has been my aim and goal. Now I can see that I may be able to get things done.
I will advise how we end up with that!

More Suggestions For Safer Services

Today community members I speak to on a day to da basis are all brain storming ideas to provide better protection and safer driving for bus drivers. I personally haven't thrown them out the door or window, I treat them each one as a reputable suggestion - I suppose on a larger broadspect we need to lobby the NSW Government for some important changes.

Each recommendation I would look at: weighing both the positives and negatives for all stake holders and finally decide to use the ones that will be used primarily to bring the best result for the good of the community.

One of the suggestions provided was that the bus operaters have under cover police officers sit behind bus drivers on each trip to be the witness to the rock throwing - thus providing more proof to the courts of the actual incident being witnessed. The under police officer would be more advantaged to provide a better description to catch these criminals.

A Correctional Officer that I have spoken too has advised me that the people that are incarcerated that come from our area do not have much self-esteem, due to one or all of the following factors: being drug related, having little or no parental proper guidance and/or back have personal issues that relate to a mental disorder or some type of depression.

So, you can decide for yourself which of these would be best to be used to make the community safer. Then you can provide feedback to ourselves.

You can also refer to Blog dated on 27/8/10 Community Problem Solving ' Rock Throwers' and add these ideas to the list!

Yvonne McDougall - R.I.P. - 'You'll Always Be With Us Ensuring Buses Are Moving Around Mount Druitt!'

Today, we are all saddened with the horriffic news that has stunned our Bus Lobby Group, Whalan and wider Mount Druitt community. Yvonne McDougall, Secretary of the 'Whalan Community Action Group' and a prominent strong supporting member of 'Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs,' has today passed away.

We are not certain in the manner that her life has been taken away, yet we all feel for her and her family who are suffering her sudden loss. Yvonne as a backbone to the 'Whalan Community action Group' will be wholeheartedly missed by all members (inclusive of myself). Yvonne was inspirational in our group - when I first met her I saw her her as highly educated woman , with exceptional shills in understanding local community knowledge as well as having a complete understanding of dealings with all tiers of government and community issues.

Yvonne had attended our petition day at Whalan shops, the inaugural meeting of 'Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs', she in fact was the actual one that named our group, she assisted in our community meeting at Whalan Community, she assisted in two further Community Meetings at Dawson Mall, she was one of our 6 delegation of members that represented Mount Druitt to the New South Wales Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, she attended all of our monthly meetings, she represented us on the 20th February 2010 at the Western Sydney Transport Users Group Meeting and also our showing of 'Blake's Way!' to the community at Hoyts, Mount Druitt.

This is just a short list of Yvonne's commitment to our group as well as she was part of our thinking tank that provided a lot of valuable input to get the bus services we got back in Mount Druitt, this year.

So To Yvonne's family - on behalf of our group I would like to offer our condolences and wish them strength as they realise the legacy she has past down to us will be always remembered, in our kind hearts.

'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.'

We're Off To The Bidwill Community Festival

Well just as we thought we had finished one festival we have been invited to another festival. Bidwill is a community based festival and should be a lot of fun.

It will be start as from 9am this Saturday 18th September 2010. Once I get more information, we will advise you! Hope to see you there!

Appointment to WSPTUG Steering Committee - I'm excited!

Today, I was told about my recent appointment to the Steering Committee of the Western Sydney public Transport Users Group. I am overwhelmed and proud to represent the commuters of Mount Druitt and Western Sydney to "Promote, providing and moving commuters in the direction of safe, reliable better improved public transport".

I have a clear view of what I have accepted. I can only say this is such a golden opportunity for anyone in my position or same to offer quality time, ideas, resolutions to problems, be a backbone for community lobby groups. I want to be a part of W.S.T.U.G. that helps moving better transport in our future. I want to promote public transport whether it be taxi's, buses, bicycles and/or trains as I do believe that there is benefits for all in do this. A benefit to the individual: no traffic or driving worries, less traveling costs as well. A benefit to the community: the more community members that use public transport facilities, the more cars can be left home - less pollution and less use of fuel. A benefit to the government: for providing employment directly and indirectly, providing the community with the transport link to get to places of need and want. A benefit to the environment - there is less pollutants that are being released on a day to day basis if only one person per day leaves there car at home, gets public transport to get to work and/or shops or just to visit friends and families.

I would like to assist W.S.P.T.U.G. in getting policies in place, working with all parties and stake holders in moving transport forward for the community. Ensure essential services are retained - get W.S.P.T.U.G. involved in bus reviews ensuring no loss of vital community services and that funds provided to update or upgrade bus stops are utilised to ensure that it is fulfilled. Link WSPTUG with City Rail and be involved with discussions to work with to get better reliable services and ensure all train stations has more than adequate facilities to make life better for the commuter.

I would like to say, 'That I will moved forward with W.S.P.T.U.G. and I thank Amy and Hugh for their selection of myself for this very important community role'. I am proud to represent you Western Sydney community!

Mount Druitt Festival Was Great!

We had a very warm reception from the community with our stall that as provided to us by the Blacktown City Council. On behalf of our group, I would like to thank Robyn Scott (Event Manager), from Blacktown Council to provide her total assistance in accepting our late entry.

Next year we will plan ahead and lodge our application in time. At this years festival we have Business cards with information regarding rock throwing and complaints for transport information. We even provided for vision impaired community members and also provided a brochure with our information.

At the end of the day we have so far complete a survey of fifteen community members of the community taken from all over the community. A summary of feedback so far:

• Not enough bus services for people with disabilities (2)*
• All drivers are friendly/nice/polite (3)
• 'Myzone' tickets are great
• More security /patrolling around undercharge (2)
• Upset of rock throwers (4) leaving area due to rock throwing (1)
• If miss bus at Doonside 45 minutes walk to train station
• More buses required
• Very well serviced
• Wants to know why bus services in the afternoon are not the same as the mornings
• Divert 780 bus along 674 bus route
• More security and better understandable timetable
• Buses to wait for you a bit longer
• More bus stops - along Chestnut Crescent, Bidwill
• Sunday services not good - increased to 20 minutes services
• Buses not on time
• require more 755 bus services
• Seats on buses have holes, windows scratches

These carry a wide area of concern . Community members are not just focused on one issue there are many issues we need to tackle and help them get. That's why we are here for them.

*Bracketed numbers indicated that there was more than one that was concerned of this issue.

What We Need Is Neighbour To Neighbour Good Talk!

Shaking our head in negativity - we tend to blame ourselves for what has happened or is happening for the 'cock throwing events' around the area. We tend to forget this is an international event and we,in a community of around 56,000-60,000 problem is just a drop in the ocean . Yet this drop in the ocean is getting bigger.

We just can't sit there and ignore what is happening around us. We some seem to have communities that care for the communities. Do we need to have community cuddles and huddles? Who knows? All I know is that we should not hate or detest our neighbour as that is what creates wars around the world. We need to encourage happiness, bring people to be excited, provide warmth towards our neighbours.

I don't mean be with your neighbours 24 hours per day. Just simply saying 'Hello', 'Good Morning' or even a simple pleasant greeting or 'pleasant 'Goodbye'. Just be nice and others will be nice to you as long as they don't take advantage of you! Maybe tell your neighbor of forever goodness. Lend a hand when asked as a hand will be lent to you when you need it! Tell young ones that hurting others is not what everyone wants and what good is it if someone is hurt because of self esteem, self pride of hurting others. Ask them would they like to be the recipient of the rock being thrown at them and how would they feel emotionally if it happened to them!

I found talk gets the message across and I think we need to talk to resolve. To resolve the one's that don't understand the implications to themselves or the negative affects on the community.

Each neighbour we speak has another neighbour and that's how we provide the good talk to make the community a better and safer community.

Stupid Stupid Rock Throwers Disrupt Bus Services For The Community Again!

Hey, I was so shocked tonight when it happened to me, when a Westbus 780 bus service had been diverted from going down to Luxford Road Whalan to Carlisle Road and then Woodstock Streets Hebersham, to continue on in their journey.

It was no more than a week ago I had told the local press of what I thought we could do and you would think that it would calm the situation down. Their is a small problem that comes out of this and that is that these criminals (although they may be frustrated) are stupid plain stupid and do not realise the repercussions that can happen from this. I hope when they get old they don't suffer from rock throwing on bus services and are deprived of bus services.

What was the real shock was that a lady I know from Whalan was totally disillusioned when she didn't know how to get home - no 755 bus service no 780 bus service and the 758 that was at the interchange was not good for her - I did offer to assist her with walking with her from Woodstock Road down to Bulolo Drive - she was confused and didn't know what to do!

Joan (our group idol) has suggested that we look at a statewide/national campaign against rock throwing - full on advertising on T.V. and radio's - we will discuss this at our next meeting.

We Made It! We're At The Mount Druitt Festival

Well just when you think every goes bad for you - the sun shines!

We were told on Tuesday that we were not able to apply for a stall due to closing dates for this - all of a sudden (some up there in the sky somewhere) gave us the opportunity to hold our stall at Mount Druitt Festival on 11th September 2010. A window of opportunity. A chance to get our group across the community and make them understand we are still here for them!

We thank Blacktown City Council for allowing this to do this as well at the people that pulled out and didn't want that particular stall.

Let's hope you come to our stall and enjoy it from 9am - 4pm Dawson Mall!

It Appears We Missed Closing Date for Mount Druitt Festival

I have been informed by Deb that we have missed out on getting a stall at the Mount Druitt Festival for 11th September 2010.

We will try some other way to be at the Mount Druitt Festival hopefully. It appears we missed the extended closing date. I will try to speak to Blacktown City Council tomorrow to see if they would like to change their mind! I mean it would be demeaning to knock back a group like ours.

I will be making every effort I can to see if there is a window of opportunity as we wouldn't want to create bad press about this. We may the thorn in the side of Members of NSW Parliament and local politicians - we are the budding that sprouts from a rose bush to perfume the air with pleasant scenting aromas and colours that are clearly distinct from others may make our true colours come out, true!

We stand up for the community to be counted and represent the community with bus issues which is a forever issue within our community. We need correct decisions to be made from within the community for the community to ensure are buses are moving.

Our Group Is Looking To Hold A Stall At The Mount Druitt Festival

Here we are 11 months since our group started & here we are trying to organise a stall for the mount Druitt festival on the 1tth September 2010, to be held at Dawson Mall.

I think of lot of politicians thought our group would not have massed it so far! I think that once something starts and it is a contentious issue - it may remain for a long time. It is hard to rid what in now formalised. Now we are completely formed with numbers in arm. We'll keep you informed once we have further words!

'Union Calls For Training" - Mount Druitt Standard 1/9/10

We provide an article that was issued on the 1st September 2010 by reporter Susan Lui:

Self-defence for private drivers

Busways has welcomed a cal by the NSW Transport Workers Union (TWU) for private bus drivers to be given self-defence training.

Following a spate of attacks on buses in Mt Druitt and in other parts of Western Sydney, TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said private bus companies should implement such training for drivers.

Mr Forno said self-defence training had been available to public bus drivers for more than 10 years and should be available to all bus drivers.

Busways human resources manager Brad Cooper supported the call.

'We've got to do whatever it takes to minimise risk. Any training is good to help drivers deal with situations,' Mr Cooper said.

However he said self-defence knowledge will not necessarily deter rock-throwing attacks.

'Rock throwing is a separate issue. It's always going to be there - it's a community issue,' he said. 'For us the drivers safety is paramount and we encourage them to follow the company's protocols in the case of a bus attack.'

Mr Cooper said Busways trainee ships trained drivers to deal with difficult situations.

Mt Druitt bus lobby group Save Our Bus Services chairman John Svoboda said self-defence training would help bus drivers deal with potential violence but agreed it would not prevent rock throwing attacks.

'This is an external missile heading towards the bus and the only thing bus drivers can do is try to avert it if they know they are being hit, ' Mr Svoboda said.

'So this may not help as possible averting of the missile may cause an accident.'

The group has suggested wire meshing on the outside of buses, more police patrols and targeted school educational program.

Police want anyone with information about those throwing objects at buses to call Mt Druitt police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The investigation is continuing.


This story reiterates that society has changed, back in my young days we never heard of 'rock throwing' people were decent, caring and understanding. People were giving up seats on buses for the elderly and disabled . Today, the young just sit down and think they are old and disabled. This tradition is a dying tradition of respect for the person that needs it. Same with the 'rock throwing' skim rock in far away ponds or lakes where no harm can be caused - do something else rather than cause potential harm and injury. Wake up and care! There are more important things to do rather than do things that is totally negative - think about the people you live around - think about them!!!!

Westbus Buses Caught Rock Throwers Off-Guard!

This evening a Westbus bus driver has told of an incident that happened to a Westbus driver around the Penrith area.

Apparently, there were three lined up 'rock throwers' ready to target and hit a bus travelling down in front of them - they did! What they didn't realise is what would happen next!

The bus driver stopped the bus and parked it. He noticed the three 'rock throwers' disappeared into a residential property on the side the same street. Unbeknown to them was the driver appeared on the front doorstep of the occupants - where the 'rock throwers' were hiding in this house. The occupants denied their children had thrown rocks at the bus. What then transpired was told to the occupants - that the bus has external cameras and that it will be referred to the local area command police to process as evidence for criminal charges to laid against the three children that caused the damage. This has sent shivers down the occupants as well as the three children who could be charged.

Although, this happened the bus driver has now got an issue that is causing the unions to get involved. That is the bus driver rang his depot Manager so that they can lodge a report to the police but was it is up to the bus driver to do this on his or her own time!

My thoughts are that a bus driver should report the incident to the bus depot - it should then be up to the bus depot to notify the police of the safety hazard that has happened and the bus driver should wait for the police for video footage, available.

What I think is great that Westbus have got external cameras on the outside of buses and this can catch these senseless culprits.