The annual awards celebrate the drivers who go above and beyond for their customers and communities.
Three of Queensland’s top bus drivers have been crowned Bus Driver of the Year in their respective categories, following a statewide public vote.
The winners were among nine exceptional finalists recognised across three categories at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Annual Gala Dinner and Awards Night.
While three drivers took home the top honour, the awards celebrate all nominees and finalists for their outstanding service, professionalism and commitment to customers.
With more than 1,300 nominations received and voting driven entirely by the public, the awards reflect the real experiences of customers and the strong appreciation felt by communities across Queensland.
Winners of the 2025 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards are:
- South East Queensland Bus Driver of the Year: Mary Hellesoe – Logan (Clarks Logan City Bus Service)
- Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year: Bonnie Snow – Cairns (Kinetic)
- Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year: Colin Hobson – Karalee (Southern Cross Transit)
More than 7,000 Queenslanders cast their vote to determine the winners, supporting the drivers who make a difference to their daily journeys across the state.
Each winner received a trophy and $1,000 cash prize in recognition of their achievement.
Acting Head of Translink Dean Helm presented the awards last night and congratulated all nominees, finalists and winners.
“The Bus Driver of the Year Awards recognise the important role drivers play in building connections within their communities — often going above and beyond to support their customers,” Mr Helm said.
“To be recognised from more than 1,300 nominations is a remarkable achievement, and each of our winners and finalists should be incredibly proud.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners, finalists and all the nominated drivers for their dedication, care and commitment to delivering great public transport experiences.
“From early morning school runs to late-night services, our drivers are a constant and reassuring presence in the lives of many Queenslanders.”
Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year, Bonnie Snow, from Cairns Kinetic said she was honoured and excited to have received the award.
“It feels amazing - I'm absolutely honoured to be able to win this,” Ms Snow said.
“I want to thank all my community, all the people that have voted for me - you’re responsible for why I am here to win this. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Equally humbled by her recognition, South East Queensland Bus Driver of the Year, Mary Hellesoe from Clarks Logan City Bus Service wanted to especially thank the Logan community for their support.
“It feels great, and I am honoured,” Ms Hellesoe said.
“Thank you to the Logan community, everybody, thank you for voting for me and for your love and continuous support.
“You don’t have to share blood to be family and being a bus driver within the Logan community you connect with people.”
Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year, Karalee’s Colin Hobson from Southern Cross Transit said while he was very grateful for the recognition, it was the broader recognition of the work of bus drivers that made these awards so important.
“It is immensely important to be recognised in our industry,” Mr Hobson said.
“Thank you everyone for voting for me, for nominating me, for supporting me. It’s been fantastic and I have really enjoyed the experience.
All three winners encouraged anyone interested in looking into bus driving, to jump on board.
“I strongly urge people to consider bus driver as a career,” Mr Hobson said.
“Come and visit one of the many companies around.
“It’s a job that can take you around the world, where you get to meet a lot of people and have good support. It offers everything and is a lot of fun.”
“For anyone looking to be a bus driver, what are you waiting for. Take a leap - you’ve got nothing to loose,” Ms Hellesoe agreed.
2025 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards finalists:
Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year:
- David Bussey – Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Transit,
- Bonnie Snow – Cairns, Kinetic
- Ravinder Mangat – Toowoomba, Bus Queensland
Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year:
- Geordie Scott – Townsville, Kinetic
- Colin Hobson – Karalee, Southern Cross Transit
- Lisa Bathern – Townsville, Kinetic
South East Queensland SEQ Bus Driver of the Year:
- Mary Hellesoe – Logan, Clarks Logan City Bus Service
- Jeraldine Graham – Brisbane, Brisbane City Council
- Kate Penkeyman – Logan Village, Logan Coaches
For more information, visit Bus Driver of the Year Awards.
