The gala dinner event saw a range of drivers, operators and suppliers recognised by the Queensland bus industry

Over the weekend, legends of the Queensland bus and coach industry were celebrated as the state handed out its annual awards.

Following a well-attended day at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) conference, the gala dinner at night played host to the industry awards ceremony.

Sponsored by Bus Stop Sales, director Pete White started the night’s proceedings by welcoming the room full of attendees and providing an engaging insight into some of the brand’s leading bus and coach technology.

From high- and low-floor developments in its King Long range through to plans for zero-emissions bus training programs, Bus Stop re-asserted its commitment to help grow the local bus industry.

The first award handed out was the Manmeet Sharma perpetual professional driver of the year award, with Katherine Collins from Transport for Brisbane receiving the special recognition.

“I’m absolutely shocked, when I was told I was a finalist I cried,” she said upon receiving her award.

“Thank you very much for those who nominated me.”

The next award went to Brisbane Bus Lines, with Ian Mitchell receiving the outstanding contribution award.

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“My family first started in road transport in 1937 when my dear old dad operated a parcel delivery service in Ipswich,” he said.

“I’m really humbled by the acknowledgement from my peers. I never thought I did anything substantial, I just work hard to provide good, reliable and safe transport for communities.”

Transport for Brisbane continued a strong night, taking home the environmental innovation award.

The coveted supplier of the year award went to Vehicle Dealers International (VDI), the Australian distributor of Yutong buses, with VDI managing director Peter Woodward on hand to accept the award.

Scania Australia took home the outstanding employer of the year award, while the Aaron Pitt and Lleyton Bartlett perpetual apprentice of the year award went to Damian Brown from Emerald Coaches.

“What an incredible honour,” he said. “It’s something I never expected and I’m truly grateful.”

The achiever of the year award went to June Tretheway from Transport for Brisbane for her involvement in the massive Brisbane Metro project over the past year.

“Metro is a huge, innovative and courageous project – I’ve played a small role, so this is for all the innovators who worked tirelessly to pave the way for the future,” she said.

A variety of long service awards were handed out, including to Brisbane Bus Lines (60 years), Hornibrook Bus Lines (90 years), Transport for Brisbane (100 years) and Minden/ Gatton Bus Service (30 years).

Translink also handed out its bus driver of the year awards, with Isapella (Bella) Tuimavave Leaupepe of Hornibrook Bus Lines winning the south-east Queensland division, Sam Davison from Bus Queensland Toowoomba taking home the regional award and Bus Queensland’s Allan Humphrey winning the school award.