Meet Dianne, a devoted member of the Transport Canberra team for over 50 years!
Di embarked on her journey with Transport Canberra, then ACTION, at the age of 17. She had completed a business college course at Reid TAFE, where she learned shorthand and typing.
Starting as a typist/receptionist at the Kingston Bus Depot, she quickly became an essential part of the Engineering Branch. She provided invaluable support to engineers and technical officers, and did the occasional shift in lost property.
Di shared a fond memory of her first day walking into the Kingston Bus Depot.
"I was being welcomed by Eddie (who worked in the Government Car Section), and he said to me, 'we are your new family'. He was always there helping fellow employees and was a pleasure to work with,” Di said.
Di has been recognised for her tireless contributions to bus operations. She was even awarded receptionist of the day on Canberra's 2CA radio station!
Looking back on her early days, Di describes a much smaller, male-dominated environment with only a handful of women in the team. Typewriters and carbon copy paper were the primary tools of the trade.
Throughout her 5 decades at Transport Canberra, Di has witnessed remarkable changes from the introduction of computers to the evolution of buses. Notably, she celebrates the increasing diversity among Bus Operators. She is glad it has evolved into a much more inclusive and representative workforce.
Di's passion for her work remains strong. She can proudly say she knows almost all the bus drivers who work from the 'Tuggy depot'. As the Business Operations Co-ordinator at the depot, she ensures the smooth functioning of administrative tasks. She finds fulfillment in her independent work style and the convenience of a short commute.
What keeps Di dedicated to Transport Canberra after half a century? It's the people! The past and present employees have become like family.
"Time does go by so quickly and before you know it, you have to start thinking about retiring," concluded Di.
Thank you, Di, for your 5 decades of unwavering dedication and service to Transport Canberra!
