An affinity with young and old alike sees Richie Durham selected as December’s Driver of the Month
By David Goeldner | December 12, 2011
Richie Durham from Organ’s Coaches Kyneton, Victoria, is December’s winner of the Mercedes-Benz Driver of the Month.
Born and raised in Kyneton, Richie has worked with Organ’s Coaches for 15 years, and often is the driver most in demand for school charters.
Organ’s Coaches Kyneton Office Manager Judy Leggo says Richie started with the company in 1996 having worked for 22 years as a pastry chef, and has carried the exacting requirements of the cooking trade into his ‘bus change’ career.
“During his time working for us, he has had minimal accidents or incidents which considering the time he has spent on the road is remarkable,” Judy says.
Richie’s duties include the morning and afternoon school run, general tours, school excursions, cleaning buses and general depot duties – all of which Richie is keen to do, often undertaking duties without being requested.
“Over his 15 years with Organ’s Coaches he is the driver who is most requested to drive for schools, senior citizens clubs and tours,” Judy says.
“His commitment to attention to detail in dealing with all his duties, as well as his enthusiasm and pride in working for Organ’s Kyneton is evident when we speak to our customers.”
Judy says she is pleased to have a driver of such a calibre as a staff member.
The Trentham District Primary School Principal Phil Parkinson says Richie is the most capable, approachable, and caring bus driver he has encountered in 35 years of teaching.
“Richie always displays a most professional, friendly and caring attitude towards all of his passengers which results in a most rewarding and relaxed experience for all involved,” Phil says.
“He interacts extremely well with staff and students and regularly goes out of this way to add value to any trip that he is involved with.
“In fact the students think the world of him and always ask when we are going on any trip if Richie is going to be our driver.”
Richie says he enjoys assisting teachers on school camps, with whom he empathises.
“They’re a bit like me – on call 24-7 – and it’s nice to help out where I can,” he says.
“I think that’s why the teachers like me doing their school trips.”
Richie says he enjoys driving as he is not stuck behind a desk and he gets to see a bit of regional Victoria’s countryside.
Richie spends his spare time water skiing, often competing with former students who he once carried on school charters at Kyneton.
“I try to keep active,” he says.
Richie says it’s nice to win Driver of the Month as it is recognition that he is doing a good job.
NOMINATE YOUR DRIVER
To nominate your staff member for Driver of the Month, send details of driver’s career history, a written reference highlighting the driver’s contribution to your operations, and include a photo of your nominated driver. Also include the nominator’s email address and phone contact.
Send entries by post or email to:
David Goeldner, Managing Editor Australasian Bus & Coach
PO Box 3712 South Brisbane Qld 4101
Email: dgoeldner@acpmagazines.com.au