After cleaning the buses at Ritchies for a couple of years, she was delighted to get her heavy vehicle licence and get behind the wheel.

“I just really enjoy the driving ‘the girls’”, she says.

And it shows. Passengers who voted for Julie, who is married and has a daughter, say she’s always smiling, helpful and a very good driver.

One of her regular services is the Ridge Runner, which has some tiny lanes. Julie has been complimented for handling these well, with passengers saying; “Julie is friendly, patient and a safe driver” and “I always feel safe while she's driving”.

She says she also enjoys the passenger interaction especially with her regulars.

“The passengers are great. I really enjoy seeing regular faces – we just have a good giggle.

“You try your hardest, so it really makes my day when someone gets on the bus miserable but ends up getting off happy.”

Julie wants to thank all the passengers who voted for her – she was very humbled!