After four decades on the road, this month’s Mercedes-Benz Driver of the Month keeps on delivering gold class service
By David Goeldner | February 9, 2012
February’s Mercedes-Benz Driver of the Month, Trevor Hicks, is about to clock 42 years as a coach captain, providing gold class service across a career with some of Australia’s iconic coach companies.
With his early background in long haul truck driving, Trevor made the switch to coaches in 1970 with Ansett Pioneer, driving mostly the Perth to Darwin route, with stints in Tasmania, until 1988 when he moved to Swan Gold Tours.
Trevor’s first stint with Swan Gold Tours in mainly metro driving lasted a year before returning to coaches with Greyhound where he drove express services for the next three years in Western Australia and South Australia.
But his time with Swan Gold Tours made an impression, enticed back to the company in 1992, which is now owned by Adams Coachlines.
“About mid 1992 I met up with Maurice Silvestri, Manager of Swan Gold Tours, at Perth International Airport,” Trevor says.
“He asked me what I was doing now Greyhound was shut down, as I was one of 15 drivers made redundant.”
Trevor was offered three weeks work at Swan Gold Tours, which turned out to be 16 years leading up to Adam Barnard’s buyout in 2008 of the well-known Perth-based touring and charter coach company.
Trevor was among the first to move with the new owners and the new brand – Adams Gold Class –and has enjoyed every minute of the past four years.
At Adams Gold Class, Trevor has been appointed Operations Supervisor and Driver Trainer, and still drives the company’s coaches in his home state of Western Australia.
“But l miss my long trips to Darwin,” he says.
All up, Trevor has been driving coaches from 1970 to 2012, bringing up 42 years on April 10 this year and still loving it at 71 years young.
“Adams Coachlines is getting bigger and bigger each month and I am glad to be part of this company,” he says.
“And the new name Adams Gold Class is making the company a big success.”
Adams Coachlines Managing Director Adam Barnard says Trevor’s commitment to the company is outstanding.
“Trevor brings a wealth of practical experience that we apply to our driver training,” Adam says.
“I can’t think of a more worthy person for this award.”
Adam Barnard believes Trevor Hicks may in fact be Australia’s longest continuously serving coach captain.
Trevor says he enjoys working for Adam Barnard, acknowledging the hard work that has gone into building Adams Gold Class during the past four years.
“I am proud to be part of it and hope to still be here for at least two more years – maybe more,” says Trevor.
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