Qld: State's best bus drivers to be chosen by customers

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97313

State's best bus drivers to be chosen by customers
7th March 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Voting opens for Queensland Bus Driver of the Year
Nominate your favourite driver before 21 March.
The finalists have been locked in. Voting opens today for Queenslanders to have their say on who are crowned winners in the annual 2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year awards.

The finalists for each category are:

Regional bus driver of the year:

Kevin Jenkins – Trans North (Cairns)
Michael Gurney – Sunbus (Townsville)
John Schakell – Wide Bay Transit (Hervey Bay)

School bus driver of the year:

Glen Schemioneck – CDC Queensland (Sunshine Coast)
Keren Ashton – Westside Bus Company (Ipswich)
Deb Porter – Stonehenge Action Group (Central West Queensland)

Southeast Queensland bus driver of the year:

Sharif Shafey – Transport for Brisbane (Toowong)
Jason Morris – Transport for Brisbane (Upper Mt Gravatt)
Sue Bishop – Transdev (Capalaba)

Quote attributed to the Head of Translink, Sally Stannard:

'Narrowing down nine finalists in three categories from nearly 1,000 nominations was a mammoth task for the industry-led selection panel," Ms Stannard said.

"Many passengers took time to nominate their favourite driver, which is a positive endorsement of the quality of service delivered by our Queensland bus drivers.

"Since we started the awards in 2018, we have seen some amazing finalists, and now it's time for Queenslanders to vote for who they'd like to win this year.

"Voting closes on 21 March, so take the time to view the videos of our finalists and make your selection."

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey MP:

"Well done to all of the nominees this year and a special congratulations to the finalists," Mr Bailey said.

"These awards are a great way to recognise the essential role bus drivers have, safely transporting people every day to and from their families, work, leisure, appointments and other activities."

Voting is open from 7 – 21 March. The winner in each category will be announced during this year's Queensland Bus Industry Council Conference.

For more information about Bus Driver of the Year awards visit the Translink website.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Queensland BUS DRIVER of the Year Awards

https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards

[ozbob]

View stories and vote >>> https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards/vote

[ozbob]

Voting closes tomorrow (21st March 2023)

> https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards/vote

[achiruel]

I know one of these drivers personally, hoping they get the win

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads

17th April 2023

The Honourable Mark Bailey

Queensland's top bus drivers crowned in Cairns

. Queenslanders have voted on the very best of the state's bus drivers through the 2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards

. Sue Bishop (South East Queensland), John Shackell (Regional) and Deborah Porter (School) have won in their respective categories 

. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony in Cairns over the weekend

Queensland's best bus drivers have been crowned for their drive, commitment, and compassion to customers.

The trio were tonight announced as winners of their respective categories at an awards ceremony at Pullman International Hotel in Cairns following a comprehensive selection process.

Recipient of the school bus driver award, Ms Porter said she could not contain her excitement when she was announced as the winner.

Ms Porter said she was "humbled" to win the award.

"It's overwhelming, I am thrilled to bits," Ms Porter said.

"I would like to the thank the Stonehenge community for supporting me, and for everyone who voted for me."

Ms Bishop, winner of the South East Queensland bus driver award, was overcome with emotion following her triumph.

"I was so shaken up, I wasn't expecting to win the award," Ms Bishop said.

"A few of my friends and family have bought a cake to celebrate."

Recipient of the regional bus driver award, Mr Shackell was "surprised" to win the award.

"It's an amazing feeling, I am over-the-moon," Mr Shackell said.

"This is a very good day, makes it all worthwhile."

Winners were decided via a public vote on the nine finalists (three in each category), who were selected by a judging panel from a list of more than 900 public nominations.

The winners each received a trophy and $1000 cash prize.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"Sue, John and Deborah are the embodiment of the hard work our bus drivers put in day-in, day-out to service our communities.

"Whether it's getting kids to school, workers to their jobs or vulnerable community members to important appointments, our hardworking bus drivers make it happen.

"They deserve every opportunity for recognition of the vital role they play in keeping our State moving.

Quotes attributable to the Head of Translink Sally Stannard:

"Our three winners are passionate in what they do and are great ambassadors for the profession as it faces challenges to attract new bus drivers. 

"Sue, who has been a bus driver for over 50 years, always greets her passengers with a warm welcome and loves making everyone feel at ease by sharing a joke and a laugh.

"Johno, as he's known to his passengers, loves driving and having a 'yarn' with them. He respects his passengers and is always friendly and courteous to them – especially those who are living with a disability.

"Deborah has a heart of gold and provides an essential school bus service for children living in Stonehenge in outback Queensland. Just having the kids say 'hi' to her everyday as they board her mini-bus means a lot and gives her a purpose.

"I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate our winners, finalists and all nominees, and thank everyone who's played a role in making the 2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards an overwhelming success."

The awards come at a time when the bus industry is actively seeking bus drivers, with anyone who is interested in becoming a driver being encouraged to speak with their local bus company.

2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards winners:

South East Queensland

1.  Sue Bishop (Transdev, Capalaba)

Regional Queensland

1.  John Shackell (Wide Bay Transit, Hervey Bay)

Queensland School Services

1.  Deborah Porter (Stonehenge Community Action Group, Stonehenge)

ENDS