Hiya all, and welcome to semester 1 2006.  I’m Sam Miller, late last year I was appointed to the student council in the position of Transport convenor 2006. 

Transport such a vital element of our modern lives. How do you get yourself and your stuff around?  Bus, bike, BMW. Do you walk, car pool or catch a train to campus?  I want to know.

Are you left inconvenienced by the imminent removal of the current express bus service from the Junction to the uni?

Do you know of the government plan to cut the Newcastle train line at Broadmedow removing existing train services to the CBD and beaches, with no clear alternative proposed? 

Have you ever felt the liberation of a large street party that occupies and reclaims the streets for people, fun and future?

Do you want to learn how to service and maintain your bike for FREE?

Maybe you would like to unleash the nudist in you and join a global critical mass event like the 2006 World Naked Bike Ride on Sunday 12th March? Go on get your kit off; it’s for the environment!

What are your answers to these questions? Do you want to get active in the community to protect and improve transport services for yourself and for the future?

Taking on this role as Transport convenor I have a particular interest as to how do the current transport services affect us as students. I want us, as students, to employ proactive actions to improve our transport services. During this year my focus will be on your accessibility to public transport to and from campus and the wider Newcastle community. If that means a little inspired civil disobedience come and join me. I welcome any input, energy and ideas on sustainable transport issues and I urge you to support your student services. Register to join the student association and keep all your student benefits and rewards.

Register to join any of the Student Association collectives and a medical first aid kit for your bike, car or backpack is yours.

So here is to 2006, cheers, I am Sam Miller and you can contact me at the NUSA office on 49 21 6006 or smiller(AT)studentmail.newcastle.edu.au.

I’ll even tell you about the unlimited FREE Parking…if you ask.