Tsukasa Hiraoka is the founder and director of Wilba the Empowerbus, a new transport service in Dubbo and Bourke that’s creating employment opportunities and empowering communities. Tsukasa's vision is to address transport disadvantage in regional and rural NSW by providing affordable, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to existing gaps in public transportation, and helping residents access essential services.
Wilba the Empowerbus started in Bourke in early 2023 and has received unprecedented community support, providing more than 100 trips a day in a town of 2,000 people. Through this service, Tsukasa has created employment opportunities for more than 10 Aboriginal women. Together with these women, she is establishing a charity to organise events and activities that strengthen community spirit in Bourke.
Prior to Wilba, Tsukasa founded a social group called ‘See You In Dubbo’, aimed at welcoming new residents to Dubbo, connecting isolated residents, organising inclusive social events and activities, and combatting discrimination and social exclusion. The group now has more than 2,500 members on Facebook, and holds events such as Sunday morning river walks, trivia nights, social soccer, multicultural picnics, meet-and-greet nights and book club.