Late last year, what began as an ordinary day at McCurdy Sydney Airport took an unexpected and sobering turn. Frontline staff noticed subtle signs that raised concern about a potential human trafficking situation. Because they were trained to stay alert and trust their instincts, they acted quickly and appropriately. Their intervention led to the individual being safely removed from the situation and connected with the support and care she needed.

For a regional airport, this moment was a powerful reminder that human trafficking does not only occur in large, international hubs —it can happen anywhere. Airports of every size play a critical role as points of connection, observation, and, sometimes, intervention. Awareness, training, and the confidence to act can mean the difference between someone remaining unseen and someone being given the chance to reclaim their safety and future.

“By joining #NotInMyCity, McCurdy Sydney Airport is affirming that even small airports can play a meaningful role in preventing human trafficking,” said Myles Tuttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Airport Authority.
“Airports are places of movement and connection, and that gives us both a responsibility and an opportunity to be alert, informed, and prepared to act.”

Through this partnership with #NotInMyCity, the McCurdy Sydney Airport will support efforts to raise awareness, provide education, and encourage collective action among airport staff, partners, and the travelling public.

“Human trafficking thrives in silence and invisibility,” Tuttle adds; “When we work together—sharing knowledge, recognizing warning signs, and leading with compassion—we help ensure that no one slips through the cracks. Our airport may be small, but our commitment to safety and dignity is unwavering.”

#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization founded by Paul Brandt in July 2017 to raise awareness and take collective action to prevent and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. #NotInMyCity builds alliances to support, facilitate and advocate for the development and mobilization of a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at the grassroots, practice, policy and legislative levels.

“On behalf of #NotInMyCity and our network of partners across the country, I want to extend a warm welcome to McCurdy Sydney Airport,” says Paul Brandt, Founder, #NotInMyCity. “With every new partner that joins us, we strengthen our collective effort to stand against human trafficking and exploitation in Canada.”