Community

At CDC Victoria, community engagement is more than a program. It is our commitment to build strong, connected, and inclusive communities.

From local partnerships to grassroots programs, we invest in initiatives that create lasting impact and drive positive change.

Our communities

Our programs are designed to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve by:

Our Core Pillars/ Values

Our Initiatives

BusAble

Promoting inclusivity and reducing transport barriers.

BusAble is CDC Victoria’s flagship accessibility program designed to empower individuals who may face challenges when using public transport. Through practical workshops and hands-on learning, people with disabilities, seniors, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities gain the knowledge and confidence to travel independently.

Participants learn essential skills like reading timetables, planning routes, boarding safely, and interacting with drivers, making everyday travel more accessible and less intimidating.

What They’re Saying:

“It’s made such a difference to my confidence.”
– SCOPE Disability Service Participant, Ballarat (Age 22)

“I learned how to plan my trips and use the bus on my own.”
– Grade 6 Student, Creswick Primary School, Ballarat

School Champions Day

Inspiring Leadership Through Sport

Another of our flagship programs that teaches leadership and teamwork through engaging, sports-based experiences. School Champions Day brings together students from local schools for a day of learning, teamwork, and fun, highlighted by an exciting tour of the MCG.

Through interactive sports activities, students explore the values of leadership, collaboration, and sportsmanship in a hands-on environment that inspires confidence and community spirit.

What They’re Saying:

“The students learned about sportsmanship and teamwork.”
– Teacher, Manorvale Primary School, Werribee

“The MCG tour and food was awesome!”
– Grade 6 Student, Wyndham Vale Primary School

Work Inspiration Day

Opening Doors to Future Careers

Work Inspiration Day gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of public transport. Hosted at CDC Victoria, students explore a range of roles, from driving and operations to maintenance, customer service, and management, offering a real-world glimpse into a dynamic and growing bus industry.

Students leave with practical insights and a clearer understanding of the many career opportunities available to them.

What They’re Saying:

“This day opened my eyes to new career options.”
– Participant, Newcomb Secondary College, Geelong, Age 16

“It was a great way to spark their interest in a career they hadn’t considered before.”
– Program Coordinator, The Smith Family 

Werribee Football Club (WFC)

Werribee Football Club (WFC) is a prominent community-based football club competing in the Victorian Football League (VFL). They focus on engaging the community through sport and providing local opportunities for young athletes.

Partnership Impact: CDC Victoria has been proud to partner with WFC for over a decade, supporting local initiatives such as their youth programs (School Champions Day) and community events. This collaboration helps foster local talent, sportsmanship, and community connection.

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF)

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation works to create stronger, healthier communities through the power of football. They focus on programs that engage youth, women, and diverse community groups.

Partnership Impact: Our partnership with WBCF helps provide accessible transport for their community programs, ensuring inclusivity for participants across various initiatives like Nallei Jerring and CALD Play.

Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria manages Victoria’s public parks, gardens, and natural reserves, ensuring they are preserved for future generations while providing recreational spaces for the community.

Partnership Impact: CDC Victoria partners with Parks Victoria to create accessible and inclusive spaces, such as the all-abilities sensory garden at Serendip Sanctuary, which promotes environmental engagement and community well-being.

Western Chances

Western Chances is a not-for-profit organisation that supports students in Melbourne’s western suburbs by providing educational opportunities and financial assistance.

Partnership Impact: CDC Victoria supports the Western Chances Internship Program through yearly sponsorships and in-house internships helping young people gain work experience and prepare for future careers, while also offering scholarships to ease financial burdens.

Social Enterprises We Partner With

SisterWorks

SisterWorks empowers migrant and refugee women by providing work opportunities, skills training, and personal development.

Our Partnership: We collaborate on events like Women’s Day to celebrate migrant women’s leadership, support their mission by purchasing gifts and products, and host pop-up stores that help grow their business and empower women in our community.

Fruit2Work

Fruit2Work supplies fresh fruit and snacks to workplaces while offering employment pathways to people impacted by the justice system.

Our Partnership: CDC Victoria sources healthy groceries from Fruit2Work for our Victorian depots, promoting employee wellbeing and supporting social reintegration through meaningful work opportunities.

Indigi-Print

Indigi-Print is an Aboriginal-owned, Supply Nation-certified printing business based in Rowville. They specialise in high-quality printing, with a commitment to creating positive outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Our Partnership: We work with Indigi-Print for our newsletters, marketing materials, and merchandise, supporting Indigenous business growth and fostering economic inclusion through our procurement choices.

Stories That Move

Salvos Food Bus – A Cause on Wheels

Overview:
In 2021, CDC Victoria donated a retired bus to The Salvation Army in Werribee. This bus was converted into a mobile food van, delivering fresh meals and essential support to vulnerable people near Werribee Station every Friday night.

Impact:
The Salvos Food Bus now feeds 150–200 people weekly, offering fresh food and warm meals, fully operated by dedicated volunteers.

“This bus has become a lifeline for so many in our community – a small act that led to a huge impact.” – Major Phill Abrams, The Salvation Army

Art for Change – Anti-Graffiti Youth Workshop

Overview:
Since 2015, our Graffiti Awareness & Education Program has engaged young people with hands-on workshops that teach the impact of vandalism and the value of respecting public spaces.

Impact:
Participants develop empathy, leadership skills, and a strong sense of ownership over their local transport environments.

“It was engaging, interactive, and empowering – a great mix of fun and learning.” – Salim Mohamed, Youth Development Coordinator

Fire Rescue Victoria

Overview:
In 2023, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) conducted a live emergency drill using one of our donated buses to practise extraction and emergency response. CDC Victoria continues to support FRV, recently hosting a hydrogen bus safety session in partnership with ARCC, preparing them for emergencies involving hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Impact:
These initiatives strengthen FRV’s preparedness, helping ensure community safety as transport moves toward more sustainable technologies.

“Training with real equipment boosts our confidence and readiness.” – Chris Whelan, Station Officer, Fire Rescue Victoria

Feeding Hope: Supporting Families in Need

Overview:
In 2025, CDC Victoria’s Oakleigh team collected grocery staples and essentials for Foodbank Australia, helping combat food insecurity across the nation.

Impact:
A shuttle car full of donations was delivered to Foodbank’s Yarraville warehouse, providing vital support to families in need and showcasing our commitment to community care.

“This initiative truly resonated with our team’s values—it was a simple way to give back during Easter.” – Natalie Tame, CDC Oakleigh

Get Involved

To get in touch for any of the above, please contact: