BusNSW has handed out six awards at its annual conference last week, rewarding leaders in the state’s bus and coach industry.
The major winners were BusNSW president John King and Baldwins Buses’ Eliza Baldwin, who took home the outstanding contribution and achiever awards respectively.
King was recognised for his five-decade-long career in the industry and his contributions to both his business and the broader sector.
King’s journey began at a grassroots level that included experience in driving, yard duties and operations that allowed him to acquire a bus business in the 1980s. Since then, the company, Premier Transport Group, has grown to operate a substantial fleet of buses and coaches across two states.
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His dedication to the industry has also been seen at BusNSW as president, where he has been a passionate supporter of the next generation of leaders and a constant traveller to the state’s bus and coach industry member over his eight year tenure to date.
King has also been a councillor for the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) and the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), with the award highlighting his exceptional dedication to the industry, his leadership and his vision for its future.
“I am honoured to receive the award for outstanding contribution to the NSW bus industry,” King says.
“This recognition means a great deal to me, not only as a personal achievement but as a testament to the collective effort of everyone I have had the privilege to work alongside in this industry.
“I look forward to continuing our work together to create a more efficient and accessible transport system for our industry and communities.”
The BusNSW achiever award winner was Eliza Baldwin, who has made remarkable strides in leading her second-generation family business Baldwins Buses. Based in Tocumwal, Baldwin has embraced the legacy of her family’s commitment to the bus industry, infusing it with a fresh perspective and a passion for service and innovation.
With a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting from Charles Sturt University, her education vackground has proven pivotal in her transition to managing director of the company. Her role extends far beyond managing finances – she also steps in as a relief driver for school bus routes.
From chairing toolbox meetings and conducting staff inductions to developing Bus Service Alteration Requests (BSAR) and maintaining accreditation records, Baldwin’s efforts have been recognised before in her community after she won the 2023 Young Business Manager of the Year award at the Berrigan Shire Council Business Awards.
Baldwin’s proactive approach to adopting new technologies, streamlining administrative processes and modernising the business has set her apart as a forward-thinking leader. As a participant in BusNSW’s ‘Next Gen Leaders’ program, she is part of the new generation of professionals shaping the future of the bus industry.
When it came to other awards, Matthew Geary won the BusNSW apprentice award for 2024 for his passion for the automotive industry and his achievements both inside and outside the workshop. Having completed a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology through Western Sydney TAFE in February, he built on a story that started with his Automotive Body Repair Technology apprenticeship back in 2012.
After returning to study and solidify his knowledge in the bus industry, he offers guidance and mentorship to those considering the same path, with his role in the workshop seeing him be a technical leader.
“With the introduction of electric vehicles into the NSW bus fleet, I understand the importance of upskilling and remaining open to new learning opportunities,” he says.
Geary was nominated by Transdev John Holland Buses and he now works with CDC NSW, proving his ongoing development in the industry.
When it came to operators, Kinetic NSW won the 2024 environment and innovation award for its commitment to driving sustainability through its zero-emissions bus trial.
The initiative, which began in April 2024, saw two electric buses introduced on school routes in regional NSW and run out of an electrified depot.
“This trial is already making a positive impact in Northern New South Wales and the team were thrilled to receive this award from BusNSW,” Kinetic executive general manager for SEQ and Tweed Martin Hall told ABC.
“Our experience at Kinetic is that wherever ZEBs are introduced the feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive. School children are happy to be enjoying the quiet and smooth ride.
“It has been wonderful to see students learn more about the technology and how sustainable transport will play a such an important role in their futures.”
The highly sought after NSW 2024 supplier of the year award went to Vehicle Dealers International (VDI), the Australian distributor of Yutong buses and coaches.
Founded just a decade ago, VDI has grown rapidly, closing 2023 as the second largest supplier in Australia’s bus and coach sector.
Through its commitment to innovation and sustainability, it has continued growing and advancing the future of public transport through ideas like its ongoing electric bus trials in regional NSW.
With its commitment to support local manufacturing and employment also shining through in its new DKD facility opening, VDI is pushing further forward.
“The transition to operating a fleet of this company’s buses has been seamless, thanks to the excellent support,” one operator said about VDI’s service.
“Their team has been responsive and helpful, ensuring that our drivers and technicians are well-trained and confident in managing these state-of-the-art electric vehicles.”
The final award for the conference went to CDC NSW, who took home the coveted crown of the 2024 safety award.
BusNSW says CDC NSW has set a benchmark for safety in the transport sector that extends beyond compliance to include new partnership and developing safety initiatives.
Its strategies include partnering with ‘Youth Off The Streets’ and the youth justice department to address anti-social behaviour and foster a culture of respect on buses.
CDC NSW also made an in-house Safe & Sound Training Program that equips drivers with critical conflict management skills, while an in-bus duress alert system has been implemented to keep drivers safe.
Lastly, the introduction of an AI-powered guardian driver fatigue management system has been trialled since 2019 on CDC buses, ensuring drivers stay safe behind the wheel.
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