Driver Awards voting

Congratulations

to our winners!

Meet the 2023 winners and finalists!

These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important service bus drivers provide to the broader community.

View their stories below.

South East Queensland Driver of the Year

WINNER

Luluu Berns - Hornibrook Buslines (Clontarf)

Meet Luluu, who's known for her infectious enthusiasm and vibrant personality. With nearly two decades of driving experience, Luluu brings expertise and enthusiasm to her role. When not driving, she enjoys family time by the ocean in the Moreton Bay region. Luluu's trademark flower accessories and infectious laughter have earnt her the nickname ’flower power’ by her passengers. Colleagues affectionately call her ‘Princess’, reflecting her warm personality. Hailing from Samoa, Luluu spreads joy to passengers, with her nomination met with tears of gratitude. All aboard with Princess Luluu for a journey brightened by her charismatic spirit!

Codylee Drew – Bus Queensland
(Redbank)

Meet Codylee, a seasoned bus driver with a quirky twist, known for her sense of humour and positive outlook. Codylee is also a grandmother who shares a passion for motorbike riding, evident in her recent purchase of a Kawaski Nomad 1600 for her 60th birthday. Her friendly personality, helpful nature and welcoming smile have won the hearts and minds of her passengers. Her mantra of a ‘one smile can go a long way’ is what got her nominated. Codylee's sparkly mask has become her trademark, reflecting her resilience and dedication to spreading joy among her passengers.

Pamela Hardy - Kinetic
(Sunshine Coast)

Meet Pamela, affectionately known as ’the angel’ by her passengers. Pamela is more than a driver—she's an avid gamer, photographer, and guitarist, defying stereotypes with her diverse interests. Trained through Kinetic's Women Up Front program, she's committed to her role, embracing the community aspect of bus driving. Pamela loves interacting with passengers from all walks of life and greeting them in multiple languages, including Auslan. Known for her warmth and compassion, Pamela looks out for all her passengers, even waking up sleeping passengers to ensure they don't miss their stop. Her nomination reflects her dedication to assisting elderly and disabled passengers, making her a shining example of service excellence.

Regional Queensland Driver of the Year

David Bussey – Whitsunday Transit
(Airlie Beach)

Meet David, a friendly member of the Whitsunday Transit team for almost 7 years. Starting as a bus cleaner, David now brightens passengers' days as a bus driver. He loves sharing local history with riders and enjoys fossicking with his metal detector in his free time, often uncovering valuable gems. Affectionately known as 'Buzz', David's commitment to helping others has earned him a sterling reputation in town. Nominated for his dedication to passengers of all ages, David finds joy in driving buses and connecting with people every day.

Maurice Dezotti - Kinetic
(Bundaberg)

Meet Maurice, a cheerful bus driver with Kinetic for 12 years. Originally from Italy, Maurice's multilingual abilities make him a hit with passengers, especially tourists. In 2023, he was honoured as Kinetic's Values Champion of the Year. Known for his warm hospitality, Maurice receives homemade treats from grateful passengers, particularly pensioners and elderly riders. Behind the wheel, his motto is to stay "stress-free and cheerful", earning him praise as the best bus driver by those that have met and journeyed with him. For Maurice, driving isn't just a job—it's a joy that makes worries disappear and creates lasting connections with passengers from around the world.

WINNER

John Christensen - Christensen's Bus and Coach (Kilcoy)

Meet John, affectionately known as 'Christo' in Kilcoy where he's been a dedicated bus driver for decades. Alongside his wife Lenore, they've operated Christensen’s Bus and Coach for nearly 50 years. John's commitment to safety and customer service shines through in his daily maintenance checks and willingness to go the extra mile for passengers, helping with groceries or lending a hand. When he's not behind the wheel, John enjoys the tranquility of his farm. He was nominated for playing a vital role in fostering the well-being and prosperity of his community. Humbled by his nomination, John sees it as a recognition of all Queensland bus drivers. With a lifetime of driving experience, it's clear that driving is in his blood.

School Bus Driver of the Year

Leasa Diggins - Owner/operator
(Kin Kin)

Meet Leasa, a dedicated school bus driver for six years. Living on a beef farm with her three teenage daughters, Leasa's role is more than just a job—it's a connection to her past. Leasa's journey has come full circle as she’s now driving the same bus route that used to take her to school. Transporting about 17 kids daily to Kin Kin Primary School, Leasa finds joy in hearing the kids’ stories, watching them grow and their sense of humour. Leasa’s sense of community and genuine care for her special cargo is undeniable. Off duty, she's an avid touch footy player, still hitting the field twice a week with her eldest daughter.

Stuart Kneeves – Cavbus Group (Beaudesert)

Meet Stuart, a former produce buyer turned bus driver with a heart of gold. When fires in the Scenic Rim disrupted his route, Stuart kept a busload of school children safe and entertained until their parents could safely collect them. He was nominated for going beyond his duty of care and choosing to stay and help look after the children. Outside of work, he volunteers to clean the local tennis courts and mow lawns, showing his dedication to his local community. Standing at 6ft 8, Stuart is a gentle giant who is a true local hero.

WINNER

Mark Nel - CDC Queensland (Yeppoon)

Meet Mark, a seasoned driver with nearly 50 years of experience, now a school bus driver with CDC in Yeppoon. Originally from Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Mark settled in Australia after living in South Africa and Canada. Despite his background in telecommunications, Mark quickly developed a passion for driving buses, finding joy in transporting children to school. He cherishes small gestures from his passengers, like flowers and surprise birthday songs, making his job even more rewarding. Outside of work, Mark enjoys riding his Yamaha 250 motorbike with his wife on weekends.

Meet the 2023 winners and finalists!

WINNER

Luluu Berns - Hornibrook Buslines (Clontarf)

Codylee Drew – Bus Queensland(Redbank)

Pamela Hardy - Kinetic(Sunshine Coast)

David Bussey – Whitsunday Transit(Airlie Beach)

Maurice Dezotti - Kinetic(Bundaberg)

WINNER

John Christensen - Christensen's Bus and Coach (Kilcoy)

Leasa Diggins - Owner/operator(Kin Kin)

Stuart Kneeves – Cavbus Group (Beaudesert)

WINNER

Mark Nel - CDC Queensland (Yeppoon)

Codylee Drew – Bus Queensland
(Redbank)

Pamela Hardy - Kinetic
(Sunshine Coast)

David Bussey – Whitsunday Transit
(Airlie Beach)

Maurice Dezotti - Kinetic
(Bundaberg)

Leasa Diggins - Owner/operator
(Kin Kin)