A Friday Note - 15 July 2016

Dear all

As the state recovers from this week’s extreme weather, I would like to thank the staff who see us through these challenging situations. Many have been working in the rough conditions, like crews from field services who helped clear fallen trees. They also assisted with traffic control, vehicle accidents, water over roads and fixing signs ripped from their posts. Team members ensured safety was a priority for themselves, their colleagues and the public amid the severe weather and the urgency that they faced.

Our people at the Traffic Management Centre have also been busy identifying hazards and informing those who need to know. We play a crucial role in a cross-agency operation. Thanks to Abigail Walters who represented DPTI during briefings at the State Emergency Centre. As always, it has been a true team effort with a common goal, to keep our communities safe and informed.

With the weather in mind, it is an opportune time to reflect on those less fortunate who are sleeping rough in bitterly cold conditions. Following suggestions from staff, a collection tin has been placed on the front security desk at Roma Mitchell House. Donations will go to charities assisting the homeless.

SAFETY

DPTI representatives recently attended a workshop by Austroads about Safe System principles, which are fundamental in reducing road casualties. For more information on Safe Systems watch our video on Towards Zero Together or these clips from New Zealand and Victoria.

WHITE RIBBON

I am thrilled to celebrate our department’s accreditation as a White Ribbon Workplace. Led by Mike Burdett and David Austin, our staff have gone above and beyond to make sure we satisfied very rigorous assessment criteria. Thank you all for banding together for a cause of national significance. Please watch this space as we move forward, there is much work to be done.

NAIDOC Week

There were stirring scenes through the heart of the city this time last week as hundreds took part in the NAIDOC march. Many of our people were part of the procession, capping off a wonderful week of celebrations.

FERRY

Another SA success story this week with the state’s newest steel-hull ferry embarking on an epic journey to its new home at Narrung on the Lower Lakes. Much work has been done in our space to make it a reality. This project is all about servicing our communities while supporting local jobs.

WELL DONE

Our commitment to White Ribbon has been bolstered by the efforts of Business Engagement Officer Mandy Strapps who raised $700 by completing a “stadium stomp” at Adelaide Oval. It requires participants to climb 6 000 stairs. Mandy spent an entire year preparing for the feat by taking the stairs at work. She chose White Ribbon as her donor charity as a direct result of her exposure to the cause through this department.

Bus driver Wayne Murffet is to be commended for his efforts in assisting a fellow whose motorised wheelchair battery went flat while he was going up a hill from Gawler with his support worker.

Have a good weekend

Michael Deegan