When CDC Queensland school bus driver Glen Schemioneck first heard he was a finalist in the 2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards, he thought it was a joke.
“I thought there was a joke going around the office, but to be nominated is a lovely feeling,” the 64-year-old said.
He said the everyday interactions with the students was his favourite part of the job.
“I love the interactions with students – some people call them kids but I don’t think they’re kids at all. I believe in treating them like young adults,” he said.
Mr Schemioneck is based at the company’s Sunshine Coast depot at Kunda Park and his route, 5708, covers four schools – Bli Bli State Primary School, Nambour State School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Burnside State High School.
CDC Regional Australia Division Chief Executive Officer Tony Hopkins was thrilled Mr Schemioneck was being recognised for his efforts.
“We are incredibly proud of Glen and his dedication to the safety and well-being of our community’s children is truly commendable. His commitment to safety, reliability and kindness has not gone unnoticed. We are proud to have you on our team, and we wish you the best of luck in the final round,” he said.
Voting has opened for the annual awards, which will be announced at this year’s Queensland Bus Industry Council Conference in April.
Mr Schemioneck is up against two other finalists in the School Bus Driver of the Year category – Keren Ashton from Westside Bus Company in Ipswich and Deb Porter, from Stonehenge Action Group in Central West Queensland.
Head of Translink Sally Stannard said narrowing down nine finalists in three categories from nearly 1000 nominations was a mammoth task for the industry-led selection panel.
“Many passengers took time to nominate their favourite driver, which is a positive endorsement of the quality of service delivered by our Queensland bus drivers,” she said.
“Since we started the awards in 2018, we have seen some amazing finalists, and now it’s time for Queenslanders to vote for who they’d like to win this year.
“Voting closes on 21 March, so take the time to view the videos of our finalists and make your selection.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey congratulated all the finalists.
“These awards are a great way to recognise the essential role bus drivers have, safely transporting people every day to and from their families, work, leisure, appointments and other activities,” he said.
Voting is open from 7 – 21 March 2023.
For more information about the awards and to vote for Glen, visit the Translink website.
