I’m not sure if it’s just me but the gaps between Christmases seem to be getting shorter and shorter.
This year has passed in a blur and there has been a lot going on. There have been times of uncertainty and change, both globally and in the workplace.
I have been working with the dedicated team at the RTBU for almost 6 months now and I have a new appreciation for the heart and soul that every one of our team pours into their jobs.
I have also been able to get out and meet many of you who work on the frontlines, the ones who every day get to see the traveling public at their best and at their worst.
It’s around this time of year that we sometimes need a reminder that not everyone is filled with Christmas cheer, and that it can be a struggle for some people emotionally and financially.
A lot of people find Christmas stressful and lonely.
According to government statistics, 51 percent of women and 35 percent of men experience significant stress at this time of year.
It’s a time when we should be aware that some people are doing it tough and reach out to friends, family and comrades and make sure that everyone is okay.
A really timely reminder of this occurred a recently at Flinders Street. Just before midnight on a Friday night, six new members were confronted with the kind of situation that even experienced staff dread.
A young woman attempted to jump in front of a moving train, and it was only the actions of this crew of six that stopped the worst from happening.
However, what really stands out, is what happens next.
Onlookers had started filming on their phones, the police had been notified but had yet to arrive, and the young woman was not responding.
The team formed a circle around the distressed young woman, to give her privacy and respect and stopping onlookers from filming.
An amazing example of professionalism, compassion, and empathy that these new starters should be congratulated for.
Dhan Patel. Anvesh Nalimela, Harshjit Patel, Sandhya Kumarage, Marie Valere, Vikas Sharma.
