Transmission | Oct 2024 | Changing of the guard

Changing of the Guard, the iconic ceremony held at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in England, is a colourful military tradition carried out by soldiers on active duty since 1660. While not quite as illustrious, yet a vital industry institution nonetheless, October saw the handing over of the reins to BIC newbie, Kirsten Jongsma by Ian (‘Macca’) MacDonald – well-known and highly regarded among bussies for many a decade as a proponent of innovation in the Australian industrial relations space.

Without further ado, it brings me great pleasure to introduce our new National Industrial Relations Manager, who joined us at the beginning of this month. With over 15 years’ experience in people leadership, Kirsten brings a certain level of dynamism to industrial relations cultivated from a career in service-led industries which span insurance, hospitality, transport and the resource sector.

No stranger to public transport or bus and coach, Kirsten previously headed up the recruitment, training and employment relations for the operator of the Sydney Light Rail, playing an integral role in its successful launch while overseeing people and culture for the Inner West Light Rail network. Her love for the bus industry sparked during her time at Buslink VIVO in Darwin and she also served on BIC’s own Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA) Working Group.

First-off the rank for Kirsten in the public arena has been to build and renew important connections with industry, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Industry Skills Australia, and the Fair Work Commission’s Fair Work and Bargaining Group, to name a few. Kirsten has also met with some of our state associations and plans to keep in regular touch. And did I mention that she will also be rubbing shoulders with a certain PM next week at the ACCI Business Leaders’ Summit?

Next up, Kirsten will lead the discussion on industrial relations and workforce development at next month’s BIC National Conference in Hobart (registrations close on 6 November, in case you haven’t booked your place yet). Last month, some of our members were also treated to a quick meet ‘n’ greet with Kirsten in advance of her taking up her new post during an unofficial visit to the National Bus and Coach Show in Brisbane.

Kirsten is excited to be joining the fold at a time of so much change. There is lots to do, least of which will be managing APTIA (our industrial arm) and overseeing the progress of 2024’s recruitment and retention project into the new year. For now, Kirsten is stretching her legs and getting a sense for where her skills and experience will suit the industry best.

Kirsten will take over in earnest from 24 December 2024, when Macca officially steps down (more on that in next month’s issue – stay tuned). Until then, he will continue to mentor her transition to this crucial role within bus and coach.

In the meantime, be sure to reach out to Kirsten and get acquainted.

 

 

 

 

Roz Chivers
Executive Director, BIC