As Emerald Secondary College celebrated its 40th birthday in November, Star Mail highlighted some of the biggest contributors to the school, one such individual is 92-year-old, Norm Smith, who was honoured for his decades of service as a retired bus driver.
Mr Smith, who dedicated much of his life to driving local residents to their destinations, was celebrated on his final bus run to Emerald Secondary College on 26 July, 1996, when a plaque and flowers were presented to him in recognition of his contributions.
The farewell ceremony took place in July 1996, but even years later, the community’s gratitude remains fresh.
“It was incredibly emotional,” Mr Smith said.
“I pulled up at the school gate on the last day of my run, and I saw all these teachers, parents, and kids waiting for me. When they handed me the plaque and the flowers, I couldn’t hold back the tears.”
Mr Smith said what struck him the most was the gesture of the schoolchildren, teachers, and parents taking the time to stop and thank him.
“I’ve been to a lot of schools, but I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said.
“They actually waited behind to say goodbye. I only drove the route for about 11 years, but it felt like home. It meant the world to me.”
For over four decades, Mr Smith was the friendly face behind the wheel, ferrying local schoolchildren from Gembrook, Upwey, and surrounding areas to their schools.
His connection to the community is deep-rooted, beginning with his own schooldays at Upwey High School.
Mr Smith, who was born and raised in Belgrave, started driving buses in 1954, a career that spanned 47 years.
“I just love talking to people, sharing stories, and being part of the community,” he said.
The 92-year-old’s long and distinguished career included not only school runs but also the delivery of parcels, letters, and even medicines for local residents.
“Back then, the bus was more than just a ride to school,” he said.
“We were a lifeline for the community, we delivered everything from parcels to newspapers, and sometimes even stopping to chat along the way.”
His personal connection to the community was evident, with some passengers being former schoolmates, and even organising reunions for local alumni.
Mr Smith’s impact was not just on the children he drove but also on the wider Gembrook community, where he volunteered for many years.
He contributed to local groups, including the Gembrook Memorial Hall and the RSL, and spent 21 years volunteering at the local cemetery.
“It was a great honour to give back to the place that had given so much to me,” he said.
Over the years, he has helped preserve the memories of Gembrook’s past, regularly contributing to local history pages and keeping the community connected to its roots.
“I’ve always believed that we should remember where we came from. The younger generation doesn’t seem as interested in the history these days, but it’s something I’ll always treasure,” Mr Smith said.
Reflecting on his own beginnings in the community, Mr Smith shared a personal memory.
“The last time I saw my father, he was getting on the bus in Gembrook. The driver who took him was Mr Casey, and years later, that same bus was the one I took over,” he said,
“It’s a memory I’ll always carry with me.”
“It felt like a full circle moment, taking over the same bus that my father once boarded.”
His commitment to the community and his unique bond with passengers were clear during his years on the bus.
“In the past, everybody knew each other,” he said.
“It was a different time. People were more connected. You could have a joke or chat with the passengers, but these days, things have changed.”
One particularly memorable experience was when Mr Smith was driving to a holiday camp in 1983, and a fireball crashed over the bus, narrowly missing them all.
“It was a close call, and we were lucky to be alive,” he said.
“That’s one moment I’ll never forget.”
The plaque and flowers presented to him at his final stop were a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated nearly half a century to driving the community forward.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.
“The people I met, the stories we shared – that’s what made it all worthwhile.”
