Kin Kin State School’s bus driver, Leasa Diggins, has been recognised as one of the best in the state.
The much-loved local, who navigates the challenging road conditions in Kin Kin each school day, is one of three finalists in the Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year Awards.
Living on a beef farm with her three teenage daughters, Leasa’s role is more than just a job—it’s a connection to her past.
“Before I had the bus run, with my girls going to school, once a week I’d always take the horses and pick them up from school on the horses and we’d ride home,“ she said.
A dedicated school bus driver for six years, her journey has come full circle as she’s now driving the same bus route that used to take her to school.
“My (childhood) bus driver is the one who I bought the bus run off. When he wanted to retire, he offered it to me, and I was like ’Yep, fantastic’,“ she said.
Transporting about 17 kids daily to Kin Kin Primary School, Leasa finds joy in hearing the kids’ stories, watching them grow and their sense of humour.
“My favourite thing about being a school bus driver are the kids. The kids make my day, just hearing their stories and just watching them grow up. They make me laugh. They’re just hilarious. I love them,“ she said.
Leasa’s sense of community and genuine care for her special cargo is undeniable.
“The word I’d use to describe being a bus driver is joy. It brings me a lot of joy. When I found out I was nominated I just felt so honoured to be recognised for doing a job that I love,“ she said.
Off duty, she’s an avid touch footy player, still hitting the field twice a week with her eldest daughter.
Kin Kin State School parent Lucy Stewart said she feels so lucky to have Leasa as their school bus driver.
“Not only does she do an amazing job safely navigating the challenging road conditions in Kin Kin with potholes, dirt roads and quarry trucks, she make the trips to and from school fun – decorating the bus at Halloween and Christmas – and even throws the kids a pool party at the end of the year,“ Lucy said.
“She really loves our kids and we’d love to see her take out this award.”
Voting closes on 14 March and the winners will be announced on the Translink website on 8 April 2024.
For more information visit translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards/vote
