It all started in back in the 60s and 70s, when Trev and Paul met in the ACTAFL (Aussie Rules) and Paul was playing for Eastlake Football club. They clicked as both were grandfathers who shared a great sense of humour. Trev was not only a grandfather, but also a great-grandfather to 12 kids! The two men came from different walks of life but bonded over their mutual love for kids and a shared sense of responsibility toward the community.
Trev’s journey with our Special Needs Transport team started 17 years ago, just after his retirement from a long career in public service.
Paul’s journey started 29 years ago, when he started as a regular bus driver with Transport Canberra bus operations. He then moved to Special Needs Transport where he has worked for 16 years as a Special Needs Transport driver.
Surprisingly they reconnected at the Special Needs Transport depot. In 2009, they started working together on a permanent run and formed an inseparable team. They have worked so well together over the years that it is as if they were always meant to be a team.
Paul and Trev care for many kids on their bus, looking after them during their 6 years of primary school commuting. They see them off to high school with a mix of pride and sadness, which is why they always stay in touch with the parents to see how the kids are doing, even though they no longer drive them to school. One of their former passengers invited them to Melbourne for a visit, and more recently another family invited them to Beijing. These connections they make go beyond a bus ride.
Every year, Paul and Trev prepare birthday gifts for the kids on their bus. Every Christmas, they design and create t-shirts featuring names of all the kids from that year. These shirts are generously supplied for free by a local company. Trev, Paul and the kids wear these special t-shirts around Christmas, each year with a new theme. It has become a much loved yearly tradition.
In return, the parents show their appreciation by giving Paul and Trev a framed 'wanted' poster, adding their own fun twist in true Trev and Paul's style. It’s a beautiful exchange of mutual respect that strengthens their bond year after year.
Paul and Trev use simple actions to take care of the kids each day, but there’s a huge amount of love behind each of these actions. Their kindness warms every kid and family. Their story is a beautiful reminder that true community service isn’t just about the job, it’s about the connections we make and the care we give!
