Meet Go West’s team of school bus drivers who are responsible for eight services in the South West and the Pilbara, driving the iconic bright orange vehicles for school pick ups and drop offs.

Six buses operate from the Bunbury depot, one from Mandurah and one from Tom Price.

Operations Support Officer Vikki Toia said orange school buses had been transporting school students for more than 100 years and provided an important service in WA’s regions.

“Across WA there are 962 orange buses which service 530 schools and are used by 26,500 regional and special education students,” Vikki said. “They travel about 33 million kilometres a year.

“Our school bus drivers are an important part of the Go West Team as they are responsible for not only driving the bus, but also looking after their precious cargo. “Go West is very fortunate to employ some of the safest bus drivers around.”

Photo:  Viv Kilpatrick, John Terace, Rob Seinemeier, Glenn Sterkenburg and Murray Watts. Absent: Ray Risdon, John Cole and Grahame Allen.

Go West’s Bunbury depot entrance has been spruced up, thanks to the efforts of Accounts Manager and resident green thumb Jo Hanson.

Jo came up with the idea to beautify the front entrance, installing pot plants and planting shrubs, along with re-tiling the pathway near the front door.

“First impressions count and the entrance to our main office has been greatly improved thanks to Jo’s initiative and hard work,” said Director Stan Haoust.

Go West Managing Director Stan Haoust dropped into BHP’s Warrawandu accommodation village in Newman recently to check on operations.

Stan and Operations Coordinator Chris Savage carried out an audit, inspected the work flow, checked efficiencies across systems and met with the on-site leadership team.

Eight buses transport workers to and from the 2200-person Warrawandu camp to BHP’s Jimblebar and Eastern Ridge minesites and the airport.

The buses make 68 runs a week with 13 drivers and a site supervisor.

Go West was very proud to sponsor the Karijini Experience by providing buses to all of the festival venues during April.

Festival-goers enjoyed a Traditional Owners Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and concert, the WA Symphony Orchestra quartet, Bush Tucker high teas, Fervor degustations, Karijini open air theatre, workshops and a concert.

Some of the entertainment and activities were located against a backdrop of the spectacular gorges of the Karijini National Park.

“Go West’s largest depot is located in Newman and we have been part of the Pilbara community for many years, so we are very proud to be contributing to an event that showcases the region and attracts tourists and economic benefit,” said Go West Director David Haoust.

Congratulations to Darren Babich and Jason Ugle for their 10 years of service to Go West!

“Darren is a pivotal part of the Go West family ensuring the safe transport of our clients and that we purchase the best buses on the market, while providing important business development skills and knowledge,” said Director David Haoust.

“Jason is the lead mechanic at the Bunbury depot and has really developed in his role as our business has grown over the last decade, taking on more responsibility and being an integral part of our mechanical division.

“Congratulations to Darren and Jason for their years of service, which are greatly appreciated.”