Celebrating Women in Transport: Terri's Journey from Driver to Depot Legend

Meet Terri, whose remarkable career spans over three decades in the transport industry. Starting as a bus driver in 1994, Terri has become the heartbeat of Newtown depot, known for her dedication, warmth, and unwavering support for the team.

Now a Senior Administrator, Terri’s role is pivotal in keeping operations running smoothly. Her responsibilities include data entry for payroll, accounts, and accident reporting, along with preparing management reports and assisting colleagues and customers with queries. The demanding nature of the job requires teamwork and precision – challenges that Terri thrives on.

“I enjoy working Monday to Friday with my team members. I feel needed and have a purpose!” she says

Terri’s journey into the transport industry was born out of necessity. With her youngest child just four years old and her husband unable to work due to injury, she applied to become a bus driver after a neighbour encouraged her to consider TransAdelaide. Despite initial nerves about driving such large vehicles, Terri calmly embraced the challenge.

“The trainer was very helpful, and I really enjoyed driving buses. I felt welcomed and happy at work. There was no feeling of discrimination or being out of place,” she recalls.

Within months, Terri’s dedication saw her promoted to Operations Coordinator, setting the foundation for a varied and fulfilling career.

Reflecting on how the workplace has evolved, Terri notes the positive strides in diversity and inclusion.

“Diversity has grown over the years, making inclusion easier for people to embrace. We’ve become a multicultural environment where people blend in easier than before.”

Terri’s advice to women considering a career in transport is simple but powerful: “Do your homework and ask for help when you need it.”

She believes that flexible working hours and stronger social networks for women would help create more supportive environments in the future

Among her many achievements, Terri is especially proud of overcoming the challenges that each career step presented – from driver to coordinator, roster clerk, supervisor, and now senior administrator.

Balancing work and personal life have been key to her longevity. “Make time for loved ones, plan family gatherings, and have a goal to work for – like paying off a house.”

For Terri, International Women’s Day is about acknowledging women who make a difference in the lives of others. Today, we celebrate Terri – a trailblazer whose dedication and resilience continue to inspire everyone at Newtown depot and beyond.