General News
17 March, 2026
Cairns bus driver among state’s best
A CAIRNS bus driver has been named a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards, with voting now open across the state.
Bonnie Snow from Kinetic Cairns, is one of three finalists in the Regional Bus Driver of the Year category, selected from more than 1300 nominations.
The awards, now in their seventh year, recognise drivers who keep passengers safe and help communities stay connected.
Queenslanders can vote for their favourite driver until midnight Sunday 22 March.
The nine finalists were chosen across three categories: Regional Bus Driver of the Year, School Bus Driver of the Year and Southeast Queensland (SEQ) Bus Driver of the Year.
Acting Head of Translink, Dean Helm, said the awards recognise the important role drivers play in passengers’ daily lives.
“Translink’s Bus Driver of the Year Awards celebrate the connections drivers build with their customers and the pride they take in serving their communities,” Mr Helm said.
“From school runs and daily commutes to weekend adventures, bus drivers play a vital role in keeping Queensland moving, and this is the public’s chance to say, ‘thank you’.”
The Regional Bus Driver of the Year finalists are David Bussey from Whitsunday Transit in Airlie Beach, Bonnie Snow from Kinetic in Cairns and Ravinder Mangat from Bus Queensland in Toowoomba.
Finalists for School Bus Driver of the Year are Geordie Scott from Kinetic in Mackay, Colin Hobson from Southern Cross Transit in Karalee and Lisa Bathern from Kinetic in Townsville.
The SEQ Bus Driver of the Year finalists are Mary Hellesoe from Clarks in Logan, Jeraldine Graham from Brisbane City Council in Brisbane and Kate Penkeyman from Logan Coaches in Logan Village.
Customers can also view videos of the finalists on the Translink website, where drivers share what they enjoy about the job and some of their most memorable customer moments.
Winners will be announced at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Annual Gala Dinner & Awards Night in April.
